First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, and Charley Hull to launch her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more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 statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund. Questions remain about the terms of his contract exit and ownership status of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s next competitive venue—whether the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a potential one-year suspension post his last LIV appearance. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022, seeking reinstatement among PGA players.
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. The 35-year-old would then be eligible for the 2027 season, aligned with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of limited fields and approximately two dozen $20 million tournaments—a perfect re-entry timing. PGA Tour investors would certainly welcome a prominent name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka will eventually return to the PGA Tour, playing selected major tournaments. The decision on suspensions lies with the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy supporting immediate reinstatement for Koepka.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to compete on the PGA Tour effective immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is enabled through the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspensions, considering their recent major wins, notably Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship.
The PGA Tour emphasizes this is a one-time opportunity expiring February 2, with no guarantee of repetition, potentially impacting players