First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon: The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor, seemed less motivated at LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly for financial reasons due to career-threatening injuries. Questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension that was softened from a lifetime ban. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
An eventual suspension would end in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule packed with high-stakes tournaments and smaller elite fields, ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome his comeback.
Jon Rahm recently suggested Koepka will return to PGA Tour, playing selective big events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods reportedly support this move, aligned with Rory McIlroy’s endorsement.
Update: As confirmed Monday night, Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. The \”Returning Member Program\”, established last Thursday, permits certain LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship major win.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity without precedent. This may influence Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million charity donation to PGA Tour, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ capital-sharing program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his return to the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue without changes into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain the league’s marquee player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Makes PGA Tour Return at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at age 62, using an exemption based on his career money list position. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii.