First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This friendly agreement comes from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a highly competitive athlete who thrives under top-level competition, which he experienced only moderately at LIV. He originally switched to LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure substantial retirement earnings. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though some questions remain about potential buyouts or payments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after the initial lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were largely softened? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the stronger PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
Any suspension would expire this August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields—ideal for his style. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top-tier league.
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, competing in the tournaments he likes, especially the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over the suspension and might follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it is a one-time opportunity without precedent for future cases. This decision may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, stirring unease at LIV Golf.