First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Observers note Koepka thrives in top-level competitive environments, which LIV offered less. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 seeking financial security amid injury concerns. Questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary and if he will retain ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on Koepka’s future playing venues: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately (perhaps with a penalty), or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, now softened from a lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for 2023 and rejoin the player pool.
An expected suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new calendar featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, an ideal return moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the podcast “Subpar” that Koepka might start slowly but will likely play his preferred big tournaments once qualified. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may show leniency.
Update: Koepka has been cleared to play on the PGA Tour immediately, debuting at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed. This is enabled by the newly created “Returning Member Program” allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension, recognizing sporting merits, notably Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship victory. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp describes this as a one-time opportunity, ending February 2, with no future guarantee—prompting reflection among players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and concern within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty involves a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises equity participation.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue. No contract extension announcements have been made, leaving room for speculation regarding internal agreements following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, using