First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain involved with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyout or repayment. He is still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation heats up over where Koepka will play next. DP World Tour allows immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following reduced lifetime bans previously set by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate and regain PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback scenario matching his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backing the new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he can qualify or get invites to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Maybe the PGA Tour will ease his suspension – decisions involve the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s advice to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
Made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement said the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years. The deadline ends February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, no guarantee this path will be available again