First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor fueled by high-level tournaments, seemed less motivated in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed circuit in 2022 anticipating his career was ending due to injuries and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out of his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will appear next: immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, now reduced from an initial lifetime ban. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to regular play.
Any potential suspension would expire by August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited field sizes. Jon Rahm expressed optimism on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, expecting Koepka to return and compete selectively in major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold sway over suspension decisions, reportedly favoring Koepka’s immediate return, endorsed by Rory McIlroy.
Update: It happened. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated and eligible to play on the PGA Tour effective immediately, set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were considered. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a unique, clearly defined opportunity that does not set precedent for future cases. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith on the LIV side.
Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour’s charity fund, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five-year suspension from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season, with his Crushers team—featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri—unchanged for the fifth season. He has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements following Ko