First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly mutually agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, found limited motivation at LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Leaving before the final contracted season prompts questions: did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed earnings? Will he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour, where he would likely be eligible immediately, possibly paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after originally lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. It seems the key question is partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
Any suspension would expire in August, just as the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for a 2027 return when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with the strongest limited player fields – ideal timing according to Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or attend high-profile events, he’ll do those too.\” Perhaps PGA leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will overlook the suspension for a five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s public endorsement to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent sporting achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement specifies this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions of the last three years, with a deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said