First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 agreed upon amicably, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he bought out his contract or returned part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. The PGA has softened the previous lifetime bans. Recently, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour, seeking to renew his membership effective post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring approximately two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields. The timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would also appeal to investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely operators of the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently predicted on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other big events, he’ll play those too.\” Kritically, the PGA Tour Board, Player Directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions, reportedly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
Update: It happened just so. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merit, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, was recognized in this case.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years. The application deadline is February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called this \”a unique, clearly defined opportunity that does not set a precedent for others.\” This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and may cause unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild