First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains linked to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable decision was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known to be a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something that was somewhat limited during his time at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement payout. Therefore, skipping his last contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about financial arrangements and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing venues, whether the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans initially imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, at the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields — an ideal return timing that suits Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he can then qualify or get invitations to high-profile events, he would certainly play those.\” Moreover, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspension decisions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed back immediately.
Update: That is exactly what 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 Torrey Pines late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major champions and Players Championship winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” says PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This decision surely sends a message to