First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the amicable agreement. Koepka, a competitive athlete motivated by top-level contests, has had a limited drive in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury setbacks threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is understandable, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayment. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about Koepka’s next tour. He could play on the DP World Tour immediately, probably with a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were softened. The PGA’s move to welcome LIV returnees, especially stars, benefits their tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking reinstatement after non-renewal post-2022.
His suspension would expire by August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — ideal for his comeback. This also appeals to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time but I think Koepka will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the majors and the tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invitations to high-profile events, he will play those.\” The PGA’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspensions and reportedly support lifting Koepka’s ban, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement. A majority of fans also favor this, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: \”And perhaps they give a five-time major winner a break in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, debuting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA membership without