First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting challenges, which he found only moderately at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund, so skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or penalties. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, perhaps with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Notably, a prominent LIV returnee like Koepka aligns with PGA Tour interests. Reporter Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, high-profile fields—a perfect timing for his return, which investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will return, likely starting with tournaments he favors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may grant leniency for the five-time major winner.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines later this January, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open confirmed. This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship victory secured his consideration. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity closing February 2,