First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull is launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives under top-level competition, which he only partially found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a strong retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds and whether he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will compete next. He could be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension applies following his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans imposed earlier were reduced. Why be vindictive when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league. Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will likely return and play selected big events. The PGA’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors, likely favors reinstating Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening (local time), the news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program\” initiated last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship, were key in this decision.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it is a one-time opportunity, not a precedent, and once closed, this path may not reopen. This likely raises concerns for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and discomfort within 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