First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This friendly agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting contests, has been only moderately motivated at LIV. He initially switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His forfeiture of the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about buyout or repayment. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could be eligible immediately, likely with penalty fees; or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance applies. Previous lifetime bans by Commissioner Monahan have been significantly relaxed. The question why be vengeful when LIV returnees benefit the stronger PGA Tour also seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
The potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited and highly competitive fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would surely interest PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka likely needs some time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least a minimum schedule focusing on tournaments he enjoys, especially majors. He may also play other high-level events if qualifying. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy supports allowing Koepka to play immediately, a view shared by a majority of fans per a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
Update: The expected leniency came quickly: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete in the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is enabled by the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not