First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed, LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated officially. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour immediately grants playing rights, possibly with a penalty. Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after previously imposed lifetime bans were reduced. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the better-positioned PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end by August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. Perfect timing for a return, appealing to Koepka and PGA Tour Enterprises investors who would welcome a marketable name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I’d say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify for or get invites to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Moreover, the suspension committee, including players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may show leniency, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka. Similarly, a majority of fans support this, according to a \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: \”And maybe they bend the rules for a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – exactly as it happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri