First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour; Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, had limited motivation in LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 anticipating an early career end due to injuries and to secure a decent retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out the contract or repay part of the guaranteed money? Does he remain an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he is likely eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, as the previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly relaxed? Why hold grudges when returning LIV players – especially prominent ones – benefit the longer-established PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour rolls out its compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields – an ideal comeback moment suiting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”I’d guess he will at least play a minimum, focusing on his favorite big events. If he qualifies for or gains entry into other top tournaments, he’d likely play them too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspensions, with Rory McIlroy recommending allowing Koepka back without delay. Fan surveys, such as one by ‘Bunkered’ magazine, suggest majority support.
Update: \”And perhaps they’d turn a blind eye for a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – just so it happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. An unexpectedly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.