First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated the decision was amicable. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something LIV lacked for him. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns. Questions remain about contract buyouts or salary repayments, and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour (immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty) or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been softened. Koepka reportedly applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership. An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—perfect timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a star like him.
Jon Rahm recently predicted Koepka’s return in the \”Subpar\” podcast, expecting him to play selectively in favored high-profile tournaments. The player board and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may also ease restrictions on the five-time major winner.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as a major was a key factor.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies for major and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a unique opportunity without precedent. The news unsettles other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and a five-year ban from PGA Tour capital investment programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf League participation. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues into the fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced. Speculation