First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting battles, something he rarely found on LIV. He had mostly joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was ending due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or reimburse part of the guaranteed fee? Does he remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation now focuses on which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. It makes no sense to be vindictive when every returnee to the PGA Tour, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the dominant tour. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, seeking reentry to the players’ circle.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour’s new schedule consolidates around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields — an ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome another big name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the “Subpar” podcast. “He will likely play at least the minimum and the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or receives invitations to high-profile tournaments, he would play those, too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major champ — both the board and player directors, as well as Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influence suspension decisions and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: It happened as speculated. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This was made possible by a recently created “Returning Member Program,” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour