First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time with his family. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was an amicable agreement. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he experienced only to a limited extent at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund, making the decision to skip the final contracted season less surprising. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of Smash GC, his LIV team, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. Will he join the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour and serve out a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan significantly softened the previously lifetime bans? Returning LIV players, especially stars like Koepka, ultimately benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, hoping to rejoin the players’ roster.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields, making it an ideal comeback moment. Even investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome the addition of such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the “Subpar” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he can qualify or get invites to top tournaments, he would definitely play those.\” The player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, the news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off 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 a new rule called the “Returning Member Program” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major title, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies for major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one