First start at Farmers already, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expectedly, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player motivated by high-level competition, which LIV hasn’t fully provided. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds. Hence, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refunds. Koepka remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour granting immediate eligibility possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following eased lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It appears the question of his return is partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the podcast “Subpar,” stating Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select big tournaments he prefers, possibly with leniency on suspension from the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, echoing Rory McIlroy’s support for a swift return.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the new “Returning Member Program” rule introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were specifically considered.
The PGA Tour stated this rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp described it as a one-time opportunity, not a precedent. This development causes contemplation for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith and unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and a five-year ban from PGA Tour capital investment programs tied to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau