First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, was only moderately motivated in LIV Golf. He switched in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His forgoing the last contract year raises questions about possible buyouts or repayments and whether he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tour Koepka will next appear—DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, now significantly reduced from earlier lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal comeback scenario for him. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a major star’s return.
Jon Rahm recently expressed his belief on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimal events including majors he prefers. The competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors including Rory McIlroy support his immediate return. McIlroy has advocated for Koepka to play again without delay.
Update: Koepka has been reinstated for immediate PGA Tour membership and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also play the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new PGA Tour rule allowing select LIV players to resume membership without suspension, recognizing recent major victories such as Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship. The PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this as a unique opportunity expiring February 2, not setting precedent. This development unsettles some LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity and is excluded from FedEx Cup bonuses for 2026 and equity programs for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for the fifth season in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged. However, no general contract extension was announced, leaving room for speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements following Koepka’s departure.