First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career early and securing a good retirement fund, his decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant him playing rights, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, although former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s initial lifetime bans have been significantly softened. Rather than revenge, the PGA Tour benefits from welcoming back prominent LIV returnees. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
A possible suspension would end in August. Although the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 play under the PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields—a perfect reentry timing suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome adding a high-profile name. Jon Rahm recently told the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but is expected to return and likely play at least the minimum, especially in tournaments he likes. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may exempt Koepka from suspension.
Update: It has happened: News spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately reinstated on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, which allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not precedent-setting. This likely impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and concerns LIV Golf League.