First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, something he found limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns, he aimed to secure a good retirement fund, making his opting out of the last contractual season unsurprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues on which fairways Koepka will appear next — the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the tour with greater leverage? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement among players.
Koepka’s potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season. Eligible for 2027, he could join the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule with around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields — perfect timing matching his competitive nature. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently discussed on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back, may look kindly on the suspension. \”Bunkered\” magazine found that a majority of fans also support Koepka’s return.
Update: \”And perhaps they turned a blind eye for a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with his participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This was enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he