First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the mutual agreement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives under high-level competition, had limited motivation with LIV. After switching to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and seeking a retirement fund, it’s unsurprising he foregoes his last contractual season, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s playing future — DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately likely with a fine, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from the previously lifetime ban. This key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for reinstatement.
Potential suspensions would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for the newly condensed PGA Tour schedule in 2027 featuring about two dozen $20 million events with strong, limited fields—a perfect comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a big name like Koepka. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play just the minimum, picking events he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies for top-tier tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” With the competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, and Rory McIlroy endorsing Koepka’s immediate return, leniency is likely.
Update: Koepka’s return is confirmed. As of Monday evening local time, he is eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines, with Phoenix Open participation also confirmed. This made possible through the new \”Returning Member Program,\” a special provision allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship merited this exception. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time opportunity\” ending February 2, cautioning it’s not precedent-setting. This will cause unease in LIV Golf circles, especially among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program funded by investor deposits.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirms competing in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers squad, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, head into the