First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he had limited motivation for on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping the last contract year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay some guaranteed money. It is also unclear if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after Koepka’s last LIV event, but former commissioner Jay Monahan has softened lifetime bans. Returning LIV players, especially stars like Koepka, benefit the dominant PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 PGA Tour Championship concluding August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if the PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, is implemented — perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or can enter big events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have say on suspensions — and follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: 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 in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were a key factor.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity, not a precedent for future cases. This likely gives pause to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam