First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family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 agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He primarily moved to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns ending his career and to secure a retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the last contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or refund of guaranteed money. Koepka remains the owner of Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as its captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will tee off next: the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible, likely facing a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following reductions of previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds greater leverage? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, 2026. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 play when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. An ideal comeback moment fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name on their new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm during the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play them.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will receive leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach—the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee all share say in suspension matters—and follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Exactly that has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Ko