First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh is making a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected news: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions linger about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been in effect since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans were eased. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, benefit the PGA Tour? This major question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields—perfect for Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely stakeholders in this new top league, would welcome such a marquee 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’ll probably play the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invitations to those, he’ll play them.\” Moreover, the PGA Tour’s player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, as well as Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, may influence any leniency for Koepka’s suspension.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines by late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, defined opportunity, not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development likely concerns