First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine brings latest golf updates.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time,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. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level challenges, found limited motivation in LIV, where he had joined in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure retirement funds. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed pay? Does he still own the LIV Smash GC team captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations abound about Koepka’s next tour: DP World Tour eligibility awaits him instantly—possibly with penalties—or a return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, with prior lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened. Why hold grudges when LIV defectors returning bolster the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach confirms Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). He’d be fully eligible for 2027’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, top fields—the ideal moment for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the addition of such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need a bit of time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspensions, reportedly favoring reinstatement following Rory McIlroy’s support.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to compete on the PGA Tour with immediate effect. He will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ that permits selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent major accomplishments, notably the 2023 PGA Championship, were decisive in granting this exception.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes the exemption applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent.
This development is significant for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith while causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is lenient