First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition and intensity, which he found only limited on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury issues and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Given this, his relinquishing the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about any financial settlements or his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. He is eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour—possibly with a penalty—or could return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV, as the previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. This crucial question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for readmission to the player roster.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences, and investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a star of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets in, he’ll play those too.\” The decision-makers, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might overlook the suspension for a five-time major champion following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. 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 at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is made possible by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp clarified, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, the path may not reopen.\” This development