First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back to compete, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level sporting battles, something that the LIV Tour only partially provided. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV because he feared his career might be ending due to injuries and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about compensation or partial paybacks. He also remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now named captain.
Speculation centers on where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, perhaps after a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, as the lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have since been greatly softened. It makes strategic sense to avoid bitterness if every returning LIV player benefits the established tours. This question seems partly answered: ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, which will introduce a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring top fields — the perfect comeback timing. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new premier league’s backers, would also welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, focusing on big tournaments he enjoys. If he qualifies or gets invites, he will play those as well.\” There is also speculation PGA Tour offices might be lenient for a five-time major champion. The board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over the ban and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. Fan sentiment aligns, per ‘Bunkered’ magazine’s informal poll.
Update: \”And perhaps they will turn a blind eye for a five-time major winner\” — just so it happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This became possible through a surprising new rule called the ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing certain LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeCh