First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fiercely competitive player, has been driven primarily by high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-led circuit in 2022 after injury doubts threatened his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual playing year is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about financial terms and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation now focusses on which tours Koepka will join next. He is eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly subject to penalties, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension for LIV participation still stands despite former Commissioner Jay Monahan easing lifetime bans. Why be vengeful if allowing a returning LIV star benefits the more dominant PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and regain full playing privileges.
An imposed ban would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Post-suspension, he could compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new streamlined schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing tailored to Koepka’s tastes. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backers, would welcome such a major name.
\”He needs some time, but I believe Koepka will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who hold sway on suspensions, may well heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately reinstated as a PGA Tour member and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new “Returning Member Program” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s case benefited from his recent sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour’s statement clarifies this special rule applies to major and Players champions of the last three years, expiring February 2. “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This