First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready to compete again; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed tour was reportedly motivated by injury concerns and securing a retirement fund. The waiver of his last contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out the contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, softened from a lifetime ban previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? The key question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to have his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, reinstated.
An anticipated suspension would end in August. Although the 2026 season also ends with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027’s new PGA Tour schedule, featuring about two dozen $20 million events with small elite fields — a perfect re-entry time for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major star. \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to big events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspension decisions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Koepka is now 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.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new policy created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win was a key merit.
The PGA Tour stated the policy covers major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time clearly defined opportunity, with no guarantee of recurrence. This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million