First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitive athlete who thrives in high-level competition, has had limited motivation at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement payout. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay, and if he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility is possible likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of previous lifetime bans. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields — ideal timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the addition of such a 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 the big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments or decides to join, he’ll play those as well.\” The PGA Tour’s player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions, reportedly supporting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, it spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale already confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it’s a one-time opportunity without precedent for future cases.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus pool, and five years out of the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.