First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, which he found limiting at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations rise about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the easing of previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour? Recent ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that 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 end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, perfectly timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top fields. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm 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 or is invited for high-profile events, he’ll play those,\” Rahm added. The PGA Tour leadership, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may waive the suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately.
Update: The news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This was possible due to the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship victory was a key factor.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major champions and Players Tournament winners from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This decision may impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV is mild: a $