First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This, according to the official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated and fired up primarily by top-level sports competition, which was somewhat limited for him at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his foregoing the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will next appear on: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would need to serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previously imposed lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, plays into the hands of the already more powerful Tour? This key question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule with about two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring the best limited player fields. The perfect time for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top league, would certainly welcome another compelling name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He will probably play at least the minimum, I’d say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or participates in high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour, with input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will show leniency for a five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Exactly that 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 at the end of January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
Made possible by a regulation named the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last