First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This friendly agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level sporting challenges, something he had less of at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injuries and wanted to secure a strong retirement fund. Given that, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, although some questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after the prior lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a big name, benefits the tour that holds the stronger leverage? This critical question now seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027, fitting with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback timing matching Koepka’s style. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely managing the new top league, would surely welcome another marquee player.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, I would say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies or gets invites for big events, he will play those too.\” Who knows, the five-time major winner might get some leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach — suspension decisions involve not only the board but also player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka to play immediately.
Update: That is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated to PGA Tour membership effective immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to