First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, his skip of the final contract year raises questions about payouts and whether he remains an owner of the LIV Smash GC team now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will play next. Eligible for the DP World Tour immediately, possibly with a fine, or aiming for the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event—though the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Returning LIV stars, especially prominent names like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds stronger leverage. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual ban would end in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship. Post-ban, Koepka would be eligible for the PGA Tour’s 2027 season under a new schedule featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with elite limited fields—ideal timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name in the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will likely play at least the minimum, probably the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he would also play those.\” The disciplinary committee, including players’ directors and Tiger Woods’ competition committee, reportedly support a waiver following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
Update: On Monday evening local time, word spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour states this exemption applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once closed, no guarantee this path reopens.\” This likely influences Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing tension in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for defecting to LIV