First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, stated LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds. Thus, skipping his last contract year is unsurprising, although questions remain regarding buyout or salary repayment. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations arise about which tours Koepka will play next — DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following softened lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when a returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership for post-2022 inclusion.
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Koepka’s suspension, if any, ends in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). He would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This is an ideal comeback timing for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome a star like him.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” There is speculation that Koepka might be granted leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach by the board, players’ directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for his immediate return. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: \”Koepka has been reinstated to the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.\” This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League.