First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to start YouTube soon. The Back Nine brings you the latest golf updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement per LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on elite level competition, found limited motivation at LIV. He had switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he is eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he has served a one-year suspension following LIV participation, as former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly reduced? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his non-renewed PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. He would be eligible to play in 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited and highly competitive fields—ideal for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets in major events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour personnel, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may show leniency for a five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has happened. News spread quickly Monday that Koepka is reinstated immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open participation confirmed. This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent performances, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated the program only applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years, ending Feb 2, and is a one-time opportunity with no precedent. This development may unsettle Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and LIV Golf League officials. Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and five years from PGA Tour Enterprises equity programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambe