First event at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, but many remain skeptical. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level competition, did not find that in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, seeking financial security for retirement. His decision to skip the last contractually required season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain an owner of LIV’s Smash GC, which already has Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation about Koepka’s next playing tour is rife. Will he appear on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, where he has been serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance? This suspension was reduced from a lifetime ban previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when welcoming high-profile LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring almost two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, strong fields. The perfect moment for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum at first, picking the big events he likes. Once qualified, he’d play those as well.\” It is possible the PGA Tour may be lenient about his suspension, especially given his sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship. The Returning Member Program, a rule introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to rejoin without suspension, a path Koepka used.
Update: Koepka’s immediate eligibility for the PGA Tour was confirmed Monday evening local time; he will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines and is confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2 and not setting future precedent. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, misses FedEx Cup bonus play in 2026, and is excluded for five years from the PGA Tour’s equity participation program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and