First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level sports contests, which he experienced less at LIV. Initially in 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure his retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions about buyout or partial salary return remain. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is growing about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could immediately grant him playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s reduction of lifetime bans. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and seeks reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback window. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber.
Jon Rahm recently noted on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspension issues, and Rory McIlroy recommended immediate reinstatement of Koepka.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale also confirmed. This is possible through a new \”Returning Member Program\” created recently, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sports merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship, were key.
The PGA Tour statement indicates this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2, and \”is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not a precedent for the future,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This development may impact Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and cause unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is lenient: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and five years out of PGA