First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was the amicable agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which was limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns. His skipping the final contract year raises questions about potential buyouts or partial refunds. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, likely requiring a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, mitigated from life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ roster.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—an ideal comeback timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm recently said in the Subpar podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into the big tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” It is speculated that the PGA Tour, including its board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may overlook the suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. News broke Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed to play in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through a new \”Returning Member Program\” initiated last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win—his fifth major—were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO