First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this decision was amicably agreed upon. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level contests, something he found limited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he still own the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation focuses on where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour, where he is eligible instantly, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV after life bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it lapsed post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coordinating with the 2026 Tour Championship finish, allowing Koepka to compete in 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring fewer but highly lucrative tournaments and limited elite fields—the perfect comeback timing. Investors backing the new PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another star.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka will return, likely playing a minimum schedule including his preferred majors. The PGA Tour’s suspension committee, including players and led by Tiger Woods, has a say, with Rory McIlroy advocating Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s competitive credentials, highlighted by his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour stated the exception applies to major and Players Champions from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this opportunity is unique and not precedent-setting. This development likely impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, creating unease for LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for LIV involvement are mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program with investor backing.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV League Commitment for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in LIV