First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly decided amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he somewhat lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure substantial retirement earnings. His skipping the last contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or refunding guarantees. The 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty fee, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance still stands but has been significantly softened from lifetime bans previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour seems to welcome high-profile LIV returnees to strengthen its position. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, hoping to be reinstated.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new condensed schedule, featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—the perfect comeback scenario for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, expected to back the new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but is likely to return to the PGA Tour. Rahm expects Koepka to at least play the minimum and major tournaments he enjoys; if he qualifies for high-profile events, he would participate. There is speculation that the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who have a say in suspension matters, may grant leniency. Rory McIlroy also supports an immediate return for Koepka.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is again eligible to play on the PGA Tour with immediate effect and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
The reinstatement was made possible by a new rule named the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated this special provision applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity