First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but wants more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level competition, had limited motivation with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to forgo the final contract year raises questions: did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed payment? He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will next grace. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, perhaps subject to a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Given the PGA Tour’s strategic benefit in welcoming back LIV defectors, the question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Eligible again in 2027, Koepka would fit perfectly into the PGA Tour’s redesigned schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-heavy fields — ideal for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome adding such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum and why not the ones he likes, the big events. If he qualifies or gets in the big ones, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee could potentially be lenient with Koepka’s suspension — Rory McIlroy supports his immediate return.
Update: It happened exactly as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, beginning with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership with no suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This development leaves Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau