First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull heads to YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed a friendly agreement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, found limited motivation in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions about financial terms and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will next compete. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies following his last LIV event. Former PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened, facilitating prominent LIV players’ return. Recent reports indicate Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An anticipated suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season, making Koepka eligible for 2027 under the PGA’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, strong fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast about Koepka’s PGA Tour return, expecting him to play selected major events. Player directors and Tiger Woods-led committees hold influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: Koepka is now cleared to play immediately on the PGA Tour, with confirmed participation at the Farmers Insurance Open in January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is enabled by the ‘Returning Member Program,’ initiated last Thursday, allowing certain LIV players to rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp confirmed it is a unique opportunity, not setting a precedent, affecting players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the FedEx Cup bonus in 2026, and barred for five years from the PGA Tour Enterprises investment program, reflecting his LIV association.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Return
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the season’s fifth year. No general contract extension has been announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable player following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move