First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to play 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition — something he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement payout. So his decision to skip the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refunds. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility — likely with a penalty — or the PGA Tour, where he has a one-year suspension after his last LIV event due to softened lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
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The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule with about two dozen $20 million events and limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would please investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, the new top-level league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, players committee, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s major victories, especially the 2023 PGA Championship, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this opportunity is for major and Players winners in the last three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a one-time chance with no future precedent, a move likely weighing on LIV Golf and players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
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