First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for being highly motivated in top-level competition, had limited fulfillment in LIV and originally switched in 2022 due to injury concerns near the end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain about the terms of his departure, including potential buyouts or repayments. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will next compete on. He is eligible to play on the DP World Tour immediately, potentially with a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. The previous lifetime bans were significantly softened. This major question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and return to the player roster.
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A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — a perfect reentry point. Even PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return during the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting he will participate at least minimally, focusing on tournaments he enjoys. The PGA Tour’s player directors and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, likely have a say in any suspension leniency — with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: 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, with participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created recently allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour stated that the special rule applies to major winners and Players’ Champions from the past three years, with the deadline February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique opportunity with no precedent, suggesting it may not be available in the future. This development may impact Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, stirring unease within the LIV