First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something LIV had limited for him. Having joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and for securing a good retirement fund, it’s no surprise he declined to play the last contracted season, though questions remain about financial buyouts or ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations arise about which tours Koepka will play on next; possibly the DP World Tour where he would have immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifelong bans were softened. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. This is ideal timing for Koepka, which would be favorable for PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors welcoming another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated in the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might need time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimum events and the big tournaments he prefers. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors could waive the suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” established the previous Thursday, allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key to the decision. The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years and expires on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp says it is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee of repetition. This decision affects players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million charity donation and exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s capital program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile