First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull is launching a YouTube channel. The latest Back Nine updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments, was less motivated on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the opportunity for financial security. His waiver of the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayments. Despite this, he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened? The key question partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season close at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields—ideal for Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets into prestigious events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might waive suspensions following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening: Koepka is immediately eligible and set to play the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were decisive.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the exemption applies to major and Players Champions from the past three years, expiring February 2, emphasizing it’s a one-time opportunity without precedent. This development may concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as create unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity participation program