First start at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed on amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury jeopardized his career, and he sought a lucrative retirement package. His skip of the last contract year is thus not surprising but raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, who already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which ultimately holds the upper hand? This question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a tour member.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events and premium limited fields — an ideal comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would certainly welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, especially the events he likes and the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour, including the Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, may overlook his suspension—following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. Fans seem to agree, per a \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: \”And perhaps a five-time major winner will be granted leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach\”—that has come true. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation