First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is returning, and Charley Hull will soon be on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV-CEO Scott McNeil. However, speculation surrounds Koepka, who thrives on high-level competition but found limited motivation in LIV Golf. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he stays owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation about where Koepka will play next is high: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event following softened lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, to rejoin the players’ club.
Any suspension would expire in August, at the season’s end with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, strong fields—ideal for Koepka’s return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the prominent name. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might take time but is expected to return, playing at least minimal events, focusing on major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may allow Koepka to play promptly.
Update: As it happened, Koepka was reinstated immediately and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” a special rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win