First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka, known for being highly competitive at the highest levels, did not find strong motivation at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 amid injury doubts about continuing his career, aiming to secure a comfortable retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyout or refund of guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation now focuses on where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, since former commissioner Jay Monahan lessened lifetime bans. This question appears partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka submitted a formal request last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — an ideal time for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka might play selectively, focusing on major and preferred tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspensions, and Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka is now eligible for immediate PGA Tour play and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with attendance confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” rule allowing select LIV players to regain membership without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s recent major victory in the 2023 PGA Championship. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this as a limited, precedent-excluding opportunity expiring February 2, possibly affecting other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith. Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and barred from the PGA Tour capital participation program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau also officially confirms participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, enters the fifth season unchanged. However, DeChambeau has not announced a renewal, fueling speculation behind the scenes about contract terms to retain golf’s most market