First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is set to return; Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, found limited motivation in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or paybacks. Despite this, Koepka remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. This key question partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. This timing suits Koepka, making him eligible for the PGA Tour’s new schedule in 2027 featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. Such a comeback aligns with Koepka’s competitive style and would also benefit investors in PGA Tour Enterprises eager for marquee names.
Jon Rahm recently predicted on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, playing the events he likes and the majors once qualified. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspensions, and with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate return, leniency is possible.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour, confirmed Monday evening. He will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January and is confirmed for the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale. This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing selected LIV players to rejoin without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour states this special for recent major and Players champions ends February 2, is one-time only, and not precedent-setting, signaling tough competition for other LIV players. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity and is excluded in 2026 from FedEx Cup bonuses and the five-year capital participation program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf League participation with his Crushers team unchanged. No general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable star post-Koep