First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull joins YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was described as a friendly agreement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level contests, showed limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. His choice to skip his final contracted season raises questions: Did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, but lifetime bans set by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. There is no incentive to be vindictive since returning LIV players benefit the established tour – especially high-profile names. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, star-studded fields — a perfect return timing suited to Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
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 then qualifies for or earns spots in top-tier events, he’d also play those.\” The decision-makers on suspension include the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with Rory McIlroy supports letting Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened just as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete 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.
Enabling this is the \”Returning Member Program,\” a newly created rule allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were particularly noted, including winning the 2023 PGA Championship, his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development will surely provoke thoughts from players like Jon Rah