First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level contests, was less motivated at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury worries and to secure a solid retirement fund, it’s unsurprising he’s opting out of his final contractual season, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly. Why be vengeful when all LIV returnees ultimately benefit the PGA Tour, which holds stronger leverage? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that wasn’t extended after 2022 and seeks reinstatement.
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A possible suspension would expire in August, just as the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top fields—a perfect comeback timing suited to Koepka. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome a star of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps there will be leniency for the five-time major winner—the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on suspensions and appear supportive, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as anticipated. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is confirmed as well.
This became possible through a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka