First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings you the latest updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a highly competitive athlete who thrives in top-level contests, had limited enthusiasm with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about potential buyout or salary repayment. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, reduced from a lifetime ban? The key question seems partly answered: According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding roughly with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields—the perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum at least, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” There is also the possibility that the PGA Tour, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him immediate play.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday, enables select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension—considering Koepka’s recent sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated the rule applies only to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2, emphasizing this is a unique, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantees for future cases.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and denial from the