First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh planning a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. The decision to skip the final contractual season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ongoing ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, while a PGA Tour return faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from an initial lifetime ban. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the dominant Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, making him eligible again.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—a perfect reentry timing suited to his preferences. This would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new league format.
Jon Rahm recently said on 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, the big events he likes. If he qualifies for big tournaments, he’ll 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 immediate play.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka regained PGA Tour eligibility effective immediately and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions in the last three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp notes this is a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of future availability. This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five years suspension from the PGA Tour’s equity program with its investors.
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