First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready for a comeback; Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, showed only limited motivation during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement fund, so skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunds. Meanwhile, Koepka still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound regarding which tour Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour strategically. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player field.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited top-ranked fields, perfect for his potential return. This move would also be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors as a valuable addition.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selectively in tournaments he prefers, especially majors. The decision on suspension also involves the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans appear supportive, according to a \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: Koepka has been reinstated immediately on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf 2026 Participation
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s top marketable player after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move as Vijay Singh,