First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a friendly agreement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found lacking at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the last contracted season raises questions about a possible buyout or partial refund of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year ban since his last LIV appearance, following softened lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour benefits from prominent LIV returnees, and this question now seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, star-studded fields — the perfect comeback timing for him. This return would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented in the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka \”might need some time, but I think he will come back to the PGA Tour.\” He predicted Koepka would play at least the minimum events, focusing on big tournaments he enjoys, and if he qualifies for or is invited to major events, he would play those too. The competition committee, headed by Tiger Woods, and player directors might overlook the suspension for a five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Indeed, it happened just so. Monday evening local time brought news that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new regulation called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered. The PGA Tour statement clarifies this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity with no precedent for future cases. This will surely