First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected with the competitor circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, which he rarely found in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and financial planning for retirement, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions about any buyout or refund. Whether he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch, is also unclear.
Speculations arise about where Koepka will play next — DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, possibly paying a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following a reduction from former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. The crucial question seems partly answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields — a perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently said in the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” With influence from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka, leniency on suspension could be granted.
Update: It has happened: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour, confirmed by news Monday evening local time. He will tee off already at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines, with participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners of the last three years, with the deadline on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedent.
Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour Charity Fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five-year capital participation program of the PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf participation with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and An