First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive athlete who thrives in top-level contests, was less motivated at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injuries threatening his career’s end and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions about buyout or repayment of guarantees. Koepka remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, possibly facing penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he served a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance following a reduction of previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question about his return seems partly answered; ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited top-tier fields, ideal timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast, predicting Koepka will likely play a minimum number of events, focusing on major tournaments he prefers. The suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, along with Rory McIlroy, supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka’s immediate PGA Tour eligibility was confirmed Monday evening local time. He plans to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and is confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA membership without penalty. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship major win was a key factor.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, well-defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases.\” This development will impact other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, stirring unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is lenient: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five