First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but stated he needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed a friendly agreement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he lacked in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns to secure his retirement funds. There are questions about whether Koepka bought out his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible (possibly with a penalty) or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following the easing of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). He would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a major name back.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, especially the big ones. If he can qualify or get invites to marquee events, he’d play those too.’ It’s possible the PGA Tour, including players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will show leniency for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A fan survey by ‘Bunkered’ also supports this.
Update: The anticipated leniency has come true. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA without suspension.
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