First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, which was somewhat limited during his time at LIV. He originally moved to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising that he declined the final contract year, though questions remain about financial terms and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, due to softened lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when any returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the established tours? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after non-renewal post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season and Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour implements its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields — the perfect timing for his return. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome the addition of another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar,’ saying, \”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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can play in top-level tournaments, he’ll also play those.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour, including the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, may show leniency towards Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him immediate participation.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening local time: 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is possible due to a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of