First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka, known for his competitive nature and motivation at the highest level, rarely found that intensity in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund, making the choice to forgo his last contract year less surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about Koepka’s future playing venues. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty; the PGA Tour currently imposes a one-year suspension following LIV participation, though former lifelong bans have been eased. This pivotal question seems partly resolved: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a timing well suited to him. This return would also benefit PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, who back the new top-tier league, gaining a strong marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar,\” \”He might 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 events he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets into high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour may waive parts of Koepka’s suspension, with influence from the board, player representatives, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour effective immediately and is set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win—the fifth major—were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors of the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp