First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to play again; Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains attached to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He switched mainly in 2022 because of injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. Koepka remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next. DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year ban since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vengeful if every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to competition.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship ending the 2026 season, making Koepka eligible for 2027 under the new lucrative tournament schedule with limited fields, ideal for a return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another high-profile player.
Jon Rahm recently opined on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will likely return to the PGA Tour, playing the minimum initially, focusing on his preferred premier events. The discipline committee, led by Tiger Woods and including player directors, may overlook the ban, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This has happened: On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His World Golf Championship appearance at the Phoenix Open is also confirmed.
Made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent. This decision may cause concern for Jon Ram, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith and within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for defecting to LIV is light: $5 million charity donation to PGA Tour, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and five-year ineligibility for PGA Tour capital ownership programs.