First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, had limited motivation at LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund, his opting out of the final contractual season raises questions. Did he buy out or repay part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will appear next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event due to softened lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? The PGA Tour reportedly received his formal application last Friday to reactivate his membership, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Any potential ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, matching the new PGA Tour schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, an ideal return timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another star of Koepka’s caliber.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast “Subpar” that Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least the minimum events, especially the majors and tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly have a say on suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This has happened: news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will play the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
Enabled by a new “Returning Member Program” policy created the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered for this exemption.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the last three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time offer and not precedent for the future. This may cause concern among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: a $5 million payment to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonuses in 2026, and five years from PGA Tour equity participation programs tied to