First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh returns at 62; Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but seeks more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, had limited motivation within LIV, having joined in 2022 amid injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds. Questions remain about financial arrangements and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will compete on next: the DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility might come with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, partially softened from a lifetime ban. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not extending his membership post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship close of the 2026 season. For 2027, Koepka could compete under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-field entries—an ideal comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimum events and select majors, with player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee possibly easing suspension enforcement, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was made possible through the new \”Returning Member Program,\” established recently, permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a one-time opportunity and does not set precedent. This development poses implications for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and raises concerns within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty includes donating $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour equity programs associated with PGA Tour Enterprises investment.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lah