First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but wants more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He had switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions — had he to buy out of the contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does he remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will soon appear. The DP World Tour could grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly eased, making suspensions less vengeful, especially as prominent LIV returnees benefit the stronger established Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, unopened since 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s close at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be then eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, high-profile fields — a perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another compelling star for their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will likely play at least the minimum, probably the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other top tournaments or gets invited, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency toward the five-time major winner—decisions involving the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee are influenced by Rory McIlroy, who supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Exactly that happened. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated with immediate effect on 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 is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a recently created rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time