First start at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he experienced less with LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed fees. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will play on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced significantly from a lifetime ban. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligned with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—a perfect timing for a comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and pick the big events he likes. If he qualifies for the top events, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour might ease Koepka’s ban, as Tiger Woods leads the competition committee and player directors, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately. A majority of fans seem supportive, per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: \”And perhaps a five-time major winner will get a pass in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – exactly that happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. Also confirmed: participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible through the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced any general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.