First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh keen to compete again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked somewhat at LIV Golf. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season raises questions about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will next play — the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension post his last LIV event, after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones like Koepka, are a boon to the established tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka submitted formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended past 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, star-studded fields — an ideal comeback stage. This move would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimum events and his favorite major tournaments. The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions and reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return, reflecting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. \”Bunkered\” magazine found a fan majority also supports this.
Update: The rumors proved true: Koepka was reinstated for immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off 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 by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Season
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season, with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continuing. However, no general contract extension was revealed, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at Age 62
In a surprising