First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 fearing career-ending injury and to secure a substantial retirement fund, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment. He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations arise about where Koepka will play next. He could be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan were reduced. It seems the PGA Tour is open to LIV returns, especially prominent players, benefiting the Tour’s interests. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach confirmed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, featuring a compressed schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect reentry timing per Koepka’s preference. Also, PGA Tour Enterprises investors would appreciate another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or invites himself to more top events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension is influenced by the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately allow Koepka back.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, the news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new regulation called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, which allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions of the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. This is a unique, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, no guarantee this path will reopen.\” This might influence Jon