First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her own YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 is the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive nature, thrives on top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because an injury threatened his career, and he sought a good retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions linger about any buyout or repayment. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will compete in next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (possibly paying a penalty) or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 for the PGA Tour’s revamped calendar featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will 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 for them, he’ll also compete.\” Reports suggest that the PGA Tour might overlook his suspension, especially as Rory McIlroy recommended Koepka’s immediate return. The governing board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee share in this discretion.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new rule created last Thursday called the \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were carefully considered, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special provision applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely unsettles Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambe