First start already at Farmers; Vijay Singh eager to return; Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a fierce competitor motivated by high-level competition, found limited motivation with LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career, aiming for a secure retirement fund. Thus, it is not surprising he skips the contractually final playing season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about Koepka’s future fairways. He could play on the DP World Tour immediately—perhaps with a penalty—or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV involvement. However, earlier lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees benefit the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields—a perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour leadership, including the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may soften his suspension, especially following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open later January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship win—the fifth major—were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners in the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a