First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to compete again; Charley Hull to launch a 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level sports challenges, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or clawbacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations now abound where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he might be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended since 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka could be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring highly selected fields. A perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s style that would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors supporting the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and likely the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee will be lenient towards a five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” announced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies the special rule applies to major and Players champion winners in the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases