First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launches her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine updates.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a highly competitive player, reportedly switched to LIV Golf in 2022 due to injury concerns and the desire for a substantial retirement fund. Speculation surrounds whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary and if he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC.
Questions also arise regarding where Koepka will compete next—whether on the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. However, recent reports from ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach state that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he had not renewed after 2022.
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season. This timing aligns well with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—ideal for Koepka’s return. PGA Tour investors would also welcome such a marquee name joining the new league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the “Subpar” podcast that Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selected big tournaments. The decision-makers, including player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: Koepka is now reinstated and eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, confirmed Monday evening local time. He will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines in late January and is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This was made possible by the “Returning Member Program,” a new rule established last Thursday enabling selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were decisive.
The PGA Tour stated this special allowance applies only to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique, one-time opportunity with no future precedent. This development likely unsettles other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV Golf include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s capital participation program.