First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This friendly agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type, thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries had him doubt his career’s longevity and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contractual payouts and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about the fairways Koepka will grace next—DP World Tour, where he would have immediate playing rights perhaps after a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, following a significant reduction of the initial lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why remain vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the more powerful established tours? This key question finds partial answers. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed post-2022, aiming for readmission.
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Any suspension would end by August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka could compete in 2027 amid the PGA Tour’s streamlined schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another strong name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and choose tournaments he likes, the big ones. Once qualified or invited, he’d play those too.\” There is speculation that PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might overlook Koepka’s suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate reinstatement. A fan survey by \”Bunkered\” reveals majority support for Koepka’s return.
Update: Indeed, Koepka has been reinstated to the PGA Tour effective immediately and is set to play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This became possible through 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 has officially confirmed competing in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues