First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly an amicable agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is understandable, but questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed earnings. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced from lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan? It seems that question is partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, abandoned after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would appeal to investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely backers of the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to top tournaments, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee—also influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation—may show leniency for a five-time major winner like Koepka.
Update: It’s official: Koepka is immediately reinstated as PGA Tour eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is thanks to the recently created \”Returning Member Program\” that allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour states the exception applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with the deadline Feb 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without precedent. This will make Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith reconsider and unsettle LIV Golf League.