First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager for more; Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was said to be a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level sporting challenges, which he found limited in LIV. He initially moved to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, though lifetime bans have been greatly softened. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited fields—a perfect time for his return, which could also please investors in the PGA Tour Enterprises.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invited, he’ll play those too.\” There is even speculation that the PGA Tour might overlook his suspension, advised by the players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s public support. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: The speculation proved true: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has 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. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain the league’s top marketable star following Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, three-time major winner