First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor by nature, thrives on high-level competition, which he found lacking in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 largely because injury had threatened to end his career and he sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision not to play the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next – on the DP World Tour, where he could immediately play possibly with a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were drastically softened. The key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday and be reinstated as a player after not renewing post-2022.
Any suspension would lapse in August, just as the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule focusing on about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, the perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind the new top league, would value adding a prominent name again.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, expecting him to play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again directly.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is already confirmed.
This was enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, particularly the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the 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 does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. The decision likely impacts Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and