First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This friendly agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions about potential buyouts or partial refunds. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will appear next —DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following reduced lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The crucial question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return, saying on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might initially play a minimum schedule focused on big events, and then more if qualified. There could even be leniency on the suspension from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play right away.
Update: The news broke widely Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” which allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major was a key merit considered.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity that does not set a precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This development likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and creates unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity payment, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five years off the PGA Tour’s capital equity program tied to