First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready to compete again; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sports contests, something he found limited in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a robust retirement fund. The decision not to play the final contract year is not surprising though questions remain about buyout terms and his ongoing ownership in the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension following his last LIV event would have applied before recent suspension reductions. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the tour with its stronger position? This question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to the playing field after not extending it post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, around when the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule packed with around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-tier fields, perfectly timed for his comeback and appealing to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, I guess, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those, too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner like Koepka. The approval involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s return.
Update: Just as anticipated, news spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete 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 at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule launched last Thursday allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says the exemption applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent