First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull’s upcoming YouTube debut. The Back Nine.
As expected, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; he will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened to end his career early, and he sought a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he bought out of the contract or refunded part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation arises about which tour Koepka will appear on next—DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. It seems the question partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and rejoin the player ranks.
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A possible suspension would end in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka well and would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s owners.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or get into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will ease his suspension considering his five major titles, with decisions made by the board, player directors, and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special