First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a friendly agreement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partly found at LIV. He had switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately, perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV play, softened from a lifetime ban. Why hold grudges when welcoming prominent LIV returnees benefits the long-established Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s conclusion. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect time to return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently opined on the “Subpar” podcast: \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play a minimum schedule and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for elite events, he’ll play them.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee, alongside player directors and the board, influence suspensions; Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka’s immediate return. A \”Bunkered\” magazine poll reflects fan support for this move.
Update: The prediction proved true: news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV League Participation in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced his 2026 commitment to LIV Golf. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau hasn’t disclosed a general contract extension, hinting at behind-the-scenes negotiations