First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, and 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he had limited chances for in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund, his decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
The big speculation concerns where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would have immediate playing rights possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, although previous lifetime bans have been significantly softened. This crucial question seems partly answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking readmission to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields, creating the perfect comeback timing. This would surely please PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top league and benefit from adding a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Moreover, the playing committee led by Tiger Woods and the board, who have a say on suspensions, might overlook the ban for a five-time major winner as Rory McIlroy has recommended immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened exactly so. On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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 in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new rule, the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this window closes, there is