First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he experienced limitedly in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund, so skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions linger about possible buyouts or penalties. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he may be eligible immediately, possibly with a fine? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, though lifetimes bans have been softened? It appears Koepka applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022. An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end but making Koepka eligible for a 2027 return under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule loaded with high-profile events. This timing suits Koepka well and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors seeking star players.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently. \”He’ll probably play the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may ease his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for an immediate return.
Update: It happened as expected: on Monday evening, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with Phoenix Open participation already confirmed. This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement explains the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity\” not setting precedent. This may influence others like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, while unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and five years’ exclusion from PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he’ll compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey