First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to PGA, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated and fired up by top-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He switched to the Saudi circuit in 2022 mainly because injuries made him consider ending his career, and he wanted to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. Possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, maybe with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he served a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following severe reductions of earlier lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? It seems the critical question is partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended past 2022, and to rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 season closes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new condensed schedule of around two dozen $20-million tournaments with top-ranked limited fields. The perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will get leniency from Ponte Vedra Beach — the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return, have influence over the suspension.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with deadline February 2. \”This is a one-time