First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season that starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This mutual decision was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially found at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to forgo the final contract year thus raises questions: Did he buy out of his contract or return part of his guaranteed money? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations about where Koepka will play next are widespread. He is immediately eligible to compete on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV participation, following the easing of the lifetimes bans formerly imposed by Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seemed partly answered when ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and to be reinstated as a member following his 2022 departure.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback timing that suits Koepka. Such a star would also appeal to investors of the PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely holders of the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He may 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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’ll probably play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate return — have influence over suspension decisions.
Update: It has happened: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday, allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were key for this exception.
The PGA Tour stated that the special rule applies to major champions and Players 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. This likely causes reflection among Jon