First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level challenges, which he found only limited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was near its end due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund, it is no surprise he skips his last contractual season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or clawbacks. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation rises about Koepka’s future playing venues: the DP World Tour where he might play immediately, possibly with a fine; or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies since his last LIV event, reduced from an earlier lifetime ban. Recently, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback timing. This move would appeal to investors backing the new top-level league, PGA Tour Enterprises, who would welcome a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play minimally to begin with and definitely the big events he likes. If he qualifies for or is invited to top tournaments, he’d play those as well.\” PGA Tour leadership, including the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, potentially share Rory McIlroy’s stance favoring Koepka’s reinstatement. Fan opinion, per a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll, also leans that way.
Update: The speculation proved true: Koepka is immediately reinstated to PGA Tour eligibility 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 the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without serving suspensions.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed that he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations, especially following Koepka’s move.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major