First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready to compete again; Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, something LIV did not fully provide him. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about his career’s end and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping the final contract year is thus unsurprising though questions remain, including whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Much speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will appear on next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance following softened lifetime bans initially imposed by Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees could benefit the PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka officially applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended beyond 2022, and to be reinstated to the player pool.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship, August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields. A perfect time for a comeback that suits Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name for their new top league.
Jon Rahm recently told 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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for bigger events or gets invites, he’ll play those, too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champ — the board along with player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly taking Rory McIlroy’s advice, would allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a