First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to return, Charley Hull joining YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more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 competition, something he found only limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His withdrawal from his final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract, or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a fine? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation, though prior lifetime bans were significantly softened? Returning prominent LIV players benefit the PGA Tour, which now holds the stronger leverage. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended beyond 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—a perfect timing for his return. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backbone, welcoming another marketable star.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? Once qualified for high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player representatives, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee might grant a 5-time major winner leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed as well.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created the previous Thursday allowing selected LIV players to restore PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely gives pause to Jon Rahm,