First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund, his skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible penalty payments and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will next compete. Will he play on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year ban following his last LIV appearance, a sanction softened from the former lifetime ban under ex-commissioner Jay Monahan? This pivotal question seems partly answered. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season ending with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields — a perfect comeback moment for the Florida powerhouse. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm expressed confidence: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gains entry, he’d play those as well.\” The player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold sway over such bans and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s favorable recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, it spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement notes the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not establish precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this window closes, no guarantees exist this path will reopen.\” This development will give Jon Rahm,