First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a friendly agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competitions, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 partly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible payouts or refunds. Koepka remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, recently appointing Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. However, lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Returning to the PGA Tour would benefit both Koepka and the Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
Update: It happened as predicted. News spread swiftly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special provision applies to major and Players winners over the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity, not setting a precedent. This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for LIV participation includes a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues into the fifth season. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, utilizing an exemption from his position on the career money list. He will start this week at