First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull heading 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive drive on the biggest stages, found limited motivation in LIV and switched in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he paid out part of his guaranteed salary or remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation revolves around where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension that was softened from a lifetime ban after LIV departures due to former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s decisions. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete fully in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing for him. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name back.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might initially play selectively, focusing on tournaments he prefers, especially major events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspension decisions, and Rory McIlroy has publicly recommended Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour effective immediately, confirmed Monday evening local time. He is scheduled to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January and has confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered. The PGA Tour announced this limited-time exemption for major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp indicated this opportunity is one-time and not a precedent.
Koepka faces a $5 million charity contribution to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program tied to investors, reflecting a mild penalty for crossing over to LIV Golf.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lah