First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, though many doubt this explanation. Koepka is a competitor who is most motivated by high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given that, his opting out of his final contractual year is not surprising, though questions remain regarding any financial buyouts and his ownership role of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation rises about which tour Koepka will appear on next. He would be eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty fee, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. It makes little sense to be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour. This question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player after not renewing it post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely driving the new top league, would welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invitations, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour is lenient with Koepka’s suspension, as decisions involve the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, all reportedly supporting Koepka’s immediate return following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. A majority of fans also agree per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: The speculation proved true as news spread quickly that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III,