First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a friendly agreement. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to pay a buyout or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faced a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from a lifetime ban. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveals Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, seeking to return to the playing field.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would thus be eligible for 2027 under the PGA’s new schedule with limited, high-profile $20 million tournaments. Jon Rahm recently expressed on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka will likely return to PGA Tour and play at least his favorite major events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly support his return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This was enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ for select LIV players allowing reinstatement without suspension, acknowledging Koepka’s recent major wins, especially the 2023 PGA Championship.
The PGA Tour states this opportunity is a unique, clearly defined chance ending February 2, and sets no precedent. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time exception, which may influence other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing concern in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five-year suspension from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continue unchanged into