First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time with his family. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated it was a friendly agreement. However, Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, found limited motivation at LIV. He originally switched to LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractual season raises questions about financial settlements and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, already led by new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with penalties? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, a ban significantly softened from former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans? Notably, re-admittance of LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing it post-2022.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale, the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields — ideal for his return. This also pleases PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely backing the new top league who welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the “Subpar” podcast, \”He may need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour leadership and players’ directors, along with the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy recommends allowing Koepka immediate play.
Update: Indeed, Koepka’s immediate PGA Tour eligibility was confirmed Monday evening local time. He is set to play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and will also compete in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were decisive.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years. The deadline