First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to debut on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed a friendly agreement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, rarely found that motivation at LIV. His 2022 move to LIV was largely due to injury concerns and securing his retirement funds. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guarantees, and if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation now centers on which tour Koepka will resume play. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, softened from a lifetime ban initially imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Granting him entry benefits the PGA Tour, already holding the upper hand. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its condensed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome adding another prominent name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invitations, he’ll play those too.\” There is hope the PGA Tour will be lenient with Koepka’s suspension. The decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, also reflecting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will appear at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
An exception called the ‘Returning Member Program,’ created last Thursday, permits selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship win, his fifth major, was a key factor.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners in the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one