First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in top-level competition; this motivation was limited during his LIV tenure. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when each LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s 2026 season finale from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule focused on nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields—a perfect comeback timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invites for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Additionally, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions and align with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to an unrepresentative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: \”Maybe the five-time major winner got a pass in Ponte Vedra Beach\”—and just like that, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed as well. This is made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team—Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri—remains intact entering the fifth