First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but requires more family time. This friendly agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a fiercely competitive player who thrives in top-level competition, was less motivated during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, who recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation swirls regarding which fairways Koepka will compete on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or he could return to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event remains. These lifetime bans under former commissioner Jay Monahan have since been significantly reduced. Gentle treatment of returning LIV players benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the stronger leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited and top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play a minimum, maybe the majors he likes. If he qualifies for or gets into top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” There is hope the PGA Tour, led by Tiger Woods and the competition committee, might waive Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him to compete immediately.
Update: That is exactly what happened. On 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, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship victory, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rol