First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on track, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a competitive type motivated by high-level competition, found limited motivation at LIV Golf. He originally joined in 2022 mainly to secure a solid retirement fund due to injury doubts. His skipping the final contracted season raises questions about buyout or repayment of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation after previously life bans were mitigated. The PGA Tour seemingly welcomes LIV returnees, especially prominent ones. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to regain playing privileges.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited strong fields. This timing is ideal for a comeback, aligning with Koepka’s preferences and likely appealing to PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors who support the top league.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he’ll play those.\” It is speculated the PGA Tour might be lenient for a five-time major champion. The decision involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy backing Koepka’s immediate return. A \”Bunkered\” magazine poll suggests fans largely agree.
Update: The speculation became reality, as news quickly spread that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact for the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to