First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, found limited motivation in LIV and originally joined in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation centers on where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event but recently saw lifetime bans reduced. Following an exclusive report by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
The suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the end of the PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a new schedule compressed into about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s competitive style, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting he might play minimally and pick his favorite major events. The PGA Tour’s returning policy involves input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy reportedly advocating Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: It has happened: Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
The new \”Returning Member Program,\” instituted last Thursday, allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship victory in 2023 was a key factor.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to majors and