First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her own 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, which he found limited in LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. Questions remain about the terms of his departure and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will join next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, likely with some penalty fees, or return to the PGA Tour, where he currently faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Former lifetime bans were softened, allowing for possible return. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
See this post on Instagram
The suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors seeking marquee names.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism in the ‘Subpar’ podcast, anticipating Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour to play at least minimum events and major tournaments. The decision on suspension also involves player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate eligibility.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This was enabled by the recently introduced ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing select LIV players to regain membership without suspension. Koepka’s Major wins, especially the 2023 PGA Championship, were key to this consideration.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and is a one-time opportunity ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized no guarantee for similar future cases. This development