First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor motivated by top-level contests, was less inspired by LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury might end his career, aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions though, including potential buyout or payback of guaranteed money. It’s also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will next appear on: DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from last LIV event applies, downgraded from lifetime ban. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players benefit the longer-leveraged PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding roughly with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-player fields—the perfect comeback timing. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new premier league.
\”He might need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites for top events, he’ll play those.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will soften restrictions for this five-time major winner; the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: As it turns out, Koepka regained PGA Tour eligibility Monday evening local time and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is confirmed.
This was enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship major, were key.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely unsettles Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith while impacting LIV Golf’s atmosphere.
Koepka’s penalties are mild: $5 million charitable donation, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus