First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull goes on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was stated amicably by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up by high-level competition, which he only partially found in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career early and securing a good retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out, return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations are rife on which fairways Koepka will appear next — immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, as the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the long-established PGA Tour? Partial answers emerged when ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle after leaving in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited top fields. A perfect comeback timing, fitting Koepka’s taste. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another big-name. \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The five-time major champ might get some leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach, where besides the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation — hold say on suspensions and would support Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Exactly so. Monday evening local time, word spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s competitive merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and