First start at Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected with the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level tournament pressure and rarely fully motivated at LIV events. Originally joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his skipping of the final contracted season is not surprising though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old still own the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations abound about where Koepka will appear next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely subject to penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance following a softening of lifetime bans previously issued. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields—perfect timing for a return. This move would also appeal to investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely backers of the new top league, welcoming a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I expect him to return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He will likely play the minimum, focusing on the events he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he will play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, might show leniency for the five-time major champion, heeding Rory McIlroy’s advice to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened as speculated: 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 in late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this exception applies to major champions and Players winners of the last three years with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour