First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known to be a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed league was largely motivated by injury concerns and securing his financial future. Therefore, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or penalties. Koepka continues as owner of the LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation now focuses on where Koepka will next play. DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties, while the PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, with previous lifetime bans softened. Why be vindictive when allowing LIV returnees benefits the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least minimally and certainly the big events he likes. If he can qualify or gain entry, he’ll compete in top tournaments.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee could overlook his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened: 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 in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
A new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major was a key consideration.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent. This news likely concerns Jon Rah