First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive spirit who thrives on high-level challenges, barely found that at LIV. He switched to the Saudi circuit in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns nearing career end and to secure a retirement fund. So skipping the last contract year is no surprise, though questions remain about buyouts or salary returns. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds which tour Koepka will play on next. DP World Tour membership is immediate, possibly with penalties. PGA Tour requires sitting out a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance due to modified lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field after leaving in 2022.
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The suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, with the PGA Tour launching a revamped schedule of around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited fields packed with top players – ideal timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome a marquee name like Koepka. \”He might need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the big tournaments he likes. If qualifying or invites come, he will play those as well.\” The player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who influence suspension decisions, may show leniency following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. A Bunkered poll, though non-representative, shows fan support too.
Update: The speculation is confirmed: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026, with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth season unchanged.