First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed they agreed amicably. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level contests, lacked motivation at LIV. He initially joined in 2022 anticipating an early career end due to injury and aimed to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay? He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following previous lifetime bans being softened. Returning LIV stars benefit the PGA Tour, now firmly in control. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end by August, aligning with the 2026 season’s close at the Tour Championship. This would allow Koepka to compete freely in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — ideal timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome his marketability. Jon Rahm expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, predicting Koepka would play selectively, focusing on big events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold the power to waive suspensions, following Rory McIlroy’s support for Koepka’s return.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday to allow selected LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s sporting merits including his 2023 PGA Championship win. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a unique, clearly defined opportunity ending February 2, not setting a future precedent. This development casts a shadow on other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes concern for LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity participation.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth season unchanged. No general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes