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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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, a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level events, was less motivated in LIV. Originally joining in 2022 due to injury concerns and securing a substantial retirement fund, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. Possibly on the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance but recent lifetime ban reductions may ease his return? Why act vindictively when every high-profile LIV returnee strengthens the established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—an ideal comeback timing for him. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the “Subpar” podcast: “He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into top-tier events, he’ll play those, too.” Possibly, the PGA Tour committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with players’ directors has influence over suspensions, may be lenient. Rory McIlroy favors Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as predicted. News spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible 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 in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
An exemption rule named “Returning Member Program,” created last Thursday, allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour clarified this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and ends February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a defined one-time opportunity with no precedent for future cases. This likely causes unease at LIV Golf among stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonuses