First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he experienced only limitedly at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries that threatened his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out? Will he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans imposed by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player strengthens the longer-established tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
A potential suspension would expire by August, when the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 given the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields. The perfect moment for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely overseeing the new top league, would welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or is invited to marquee tournaments, he would play those as well.\” Moreover, the suspension could see some leniency from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players membership reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated that this exemption applies to major winners and Players champions of the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp