First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull coming soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, however, is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he lacked somewhat during his LIV stint. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career’s end and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the better-resourced PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top fields, perfectly timed for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a significant name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently during the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and likely the big tournaments he enjoys. If he qualifies for top events, he’ll play those too.\” There might even be some leniency regarding his suspension, overseen by the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation in the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major champions and Players winners from the past three years, expiring on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp added, \”This is a one