First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open; Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to a friendly agreement reported by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, found limited motivation in LIV. In 2022, he switched primarily to secure a retirement fund amid injury concerns. It’s no surprise he chose to skip the final contracted season, although questions remain about contract buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation flourishes about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event—after lifelong bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. The PGA Tour benefits from allowing prominent LIV returnees, and this critical question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, concluding the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule, which compresses nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, strong fields—a perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome gaining another high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism in the \”Subpar\” podcast, saying Koepka \”might need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” likely playing a minimum schedule focused on majors and events he prefers. The PGA Tour’s player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspensions and might waive restrictions for a five-time major winner like Koepka, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow his immediate return. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine supports this view.
Update: As anticipated, Koepka has been reinstated immediately to the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. However, BDC has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation over behind-the-scenes agreements aimed at retaining LIV’s top marketable star after Koepka’s departure.