First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a highly competitive athlete who thrives on top-level competition—a motivation lacking during his LIV tenure. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly as an injury-plagued late-career move to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out of the contract or repay part of his guaranteed prize? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation abounds on which tour Koepka will next grace. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, potentially with a fine, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after lifelong bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially softened. This key question now appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the playing field.
Any potential suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its revamped schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—the perfect timing for his return, fitting Koepka’s competitive style. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backers of the new top-tier league, would welcome a name of Koepka’s stature.
\”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 the minimum at least, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invited, he would play those as well.\” There is speculation the PGA Tour, including player directors and the committee led by Tiger Woods, may show leniency in Koepka’s case, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” a special rule allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without penalty. Koepka’s sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement notes this exemption applies to major and Players champions from the past three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time