First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, says LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor by nature, thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial reasons due to injury concerns, so his opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyout terms and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will next compete. DP World Tour membership could be immediate, possibly with penalties, or he could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, especially after previous lifetime bans were softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback setup. This move is welcomed by investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, who would appreciate a marquee name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka may ease back, playing selectively in tournaments he enjoys, including majors. There is speculation that governing bodies, board members, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committees could soften Koepka’s suspension, heeding Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to allow Koepka to return immediately.
Update: As it turned out, Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee it up at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new policy introduced last Thursday permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s competitive merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity and not precedent-setting. This development likely impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and adds pressure on the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is lenient: obliging a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity