First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion stays associated with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he hadn’t fully found at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his decision to skip the last contract year raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would still face a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant reduction of previously lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when a high-profile LIV returnee serves the PGA Tour’s interests? This question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Thus, Koepka could compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — the ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a drawcard. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe the big events he likes. If he can qualify for top tournaments, he’d definitely play them.\” Following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately, the decision-makers including player directors and Tiger Woods chaired competition committee likely will be lenient. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: As expected, Koepka is now immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This became possible through a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His team Crushers, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation over behind-the-scenes negotiations to