First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the final contract year raises questions about buyouts or repayment and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV involvement. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been eased, and a return for LIV players benefits PGA Tour’s leverage. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership.
Any suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027’s new PGA Tour schedule featuring limited fields and high purses, making it an ideal comeback for him. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome his star power. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the Subpar podcast, expecting him to play favorite major events minimally at first. With the PGA Tour’s returning member program allowing exemption for recent major winners like Koepka, and Rory McIlroy’s support, his comeback seems facilitated.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and the WM Phoenix Open. This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\”, permitting select LIV players to reinstate membership without suspension, acknowledging Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity ending February 2, not a precedent, likely worrying LIV and players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith. Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million charity payment, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League’s 2026 season. His crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri moves into the fifth season unchanged. However, no general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s marquee players after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at age 62, using career earnings exemption to play starting this week at