First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting battles, had limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily for financial security near career end due to injuries.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will appear on next: DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime suspensions were substantially softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka recently formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields, a perfect re-entry moment aligned with his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another 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 will likely play the minimum, tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry to high-profile events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say on suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s athletic merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners in the past three years, ending February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee this path will reopen.\” This may concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unrest in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: he must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred for five years from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson De