First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season in 2026, which kicks off on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found less motivating on LIV Golf. He had joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to pay a buyout or repay part of his guaranteed earnings, and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations arise about which tour Koepka will next compete on. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. This suspension was softened from the lifetime bans previously imposed. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, by which time the 2026 season would conclude with the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who back the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently stated in the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing the minimum and participating in the big events he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on penalties. Rory McIlroy also recommends allowing Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened exactly as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will reopen.\” This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV Golf is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity