First start already set for the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull to launch her own YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition and typically gets motivated in such situations. That aspect was somewhat limited within LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career end and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given that, his choice to forgo the final contractual playing season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. Could it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—probably subject to a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly relaxed? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the stronger-established PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. That timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also please investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely to support the new top league, welcoming another marquee name.
“He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. “He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets invited to big events, he will play those, too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach—decisions on suspensions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy recommends allowing Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Just as anticipated, news spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
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