First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive drive on the highest level, has had limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, his decision not to play the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary. Koepka also remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely involving a fine? Or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been in place since his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of previously lifelong bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? It seems the crucial question is partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. However, Koepka could play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. A perfect timing for his comeback, matching Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would surely welcome such a strong name for the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm in the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he would play them too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for a five-time major champion—the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. According to the magazine \”Bunkered,\” a non-representative fan survey supports this.
Update: \”And maybe Ponte Vedra Beach will give a five-time major winner a break\” – exactly as it happened. News spread that Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension.