First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and for securing a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary and if he remains owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, likely immediately eligible potentially with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans were significantly reduced. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding roughly with the season finale, the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 as the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, the big events he prefers, and then gradually more top tournaments.\” The five-time major winner may even receive leniency from PGA leadership including Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as forecast. News spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour events and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour statement clarified the rule applies to major and Players champions from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a unique opportunity and not a precedent. This move may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties are mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf