First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Predictably, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV could not fully provide. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure financial stability due to injury concerns threatening his career. So his skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and ownership status of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, likely with an immediate playing eligibility but potentially a penalty fee; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a reduction of the original lifetime ban imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
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Possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka could be fully eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour rolls out a compressed schedule of twenty $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome his return as a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes and the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return, and the PGA Tour’s competition committee led by Tiger Woods may grant leniency. A \”Bunkered\” magazine fan poll reflects majority support for Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: As predicted, news spread swiftly that Koepka is immediately reinstated as a PGA Tour member and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
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DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf in 2026.