First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. The decision was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive athlete who thrives on top-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It’s no surprise he waived his last contracted season, though questions linger about contract buyouts and his continuing ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour offers immediate playing rights, likely with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s softened lifetime bans. Returning prominent LIV players benefit the PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to marquee tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” There might be leniency regarding Koepka’s suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: On Monday evening local time, the news spread rapidly: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” created the previous Thursday, which allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. This development will surely stir thoughts among Jon Rahm, Bry