First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was the amicable agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure his retirement fund financially. Given that, his decision to forgo the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or penalties. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation centers on where Koepka will play next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies after his last LIV event, softened from earlier lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, rejoining the players’ ranks after not extending his membership post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields, ideal for his return. This is also welcomed by investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises who would appreciate another top-name player.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently during the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains invitations to high-profile events, he would also play those.\” There may even be leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach regarding his suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: This came true Monday evening; news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the World Golf Championship Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, notably considering Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring 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. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rah