First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level contests—which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after prior lifetime bans were softened. Notably, LIV returnees benefit the incumbent PGA Tour, which holds greater leverage. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension expires in August, aligning with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka could play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with exclusive fields, an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe the big events he likes. Once qualified, he’d play those top-tier tournaments.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold input on suspensions and reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return per Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible immediately for 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent major accomplishments, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it is a one-time opportunity without precedent or guarantees for future cases, which may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program invested in PGA Tour Enterprises.