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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive athlete who thrives under high-level contests, had limited motivation in LIV. His 2022 move to LIV was mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and securing a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about buyouts and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible (possibly after a penalty payment), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly eased. It makes sense not to be vindictive, as prominent LIV returnees benefit the dominant tours. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing in 2022, seeking readmission to the player roster.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion after the Tour Championship. Koepka could be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a marquee name like Koepka backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or receives invites to high-profile events, he’d play those as well.\” The decision regarding Koepka’s ban involves the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, along with Rory McIlroy, favors Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened just so. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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 in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement explains the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This opportunity is a one-time, clearly defined chance and sets no precedent for the future,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely impacts Jon