First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit, but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing an injury-forced early career end and seeking a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or return some guaranteed money. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations grow on which tour Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately presumably after a penalty fee? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after previously imposed lifetime bans were softened? Since the PGA Tour benefits from prominent LIV returnees, this critical question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
His possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited elite fields — an ideal comeback point for Koepka. This would also please investors likely backing the new top league, PGA Tour Enterprises, benefiting from a big star.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum and the tournaments he likes — the big ones. If he can qualify for or get into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might be lenient with the five-time major winner’s suspension, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, the news spread rapidly that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January, with participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently established \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship victory and other merits were considered.