First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. Here’s 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This mutual agreement was announced officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit, thrives on top-level competition, something he found limited at LIV Golf. Initially joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure financial stability, his decision not to play the final contract year raises questions about buyouts or refunds. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation continues about Koepka’s next tour. Will he join the DP World Tour immediately with possible penalties or return to the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation? The harsh lifetime bans handed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened, and allowing prominent LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour strategically. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended past 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields—a perfect stage for his comeback. This is also appealing to PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely backing the converted top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might need some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selective major events. The PGA Tour’s player directors and competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, reportedly support waiving his suspension, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka’s reinstatement went into effect Monday evening local time. He is eligible to play immediately at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and is confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was facilitated by a new rule called the ‘Returning Member Program’ created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s major achievements, especially winning the 2023 PGA Championship, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this opportunity applies only to major and Players winners from the past three years and ends February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined chance and not a precedent for future cases, likely sparking reactions from players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as LIV Golf.
Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity as a penalty, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and banned for five years from the PGA Tour’s equity program involving investor funds.