First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns and to secure a considerable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could welcome him immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Notably, every prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour’s strategic dominance. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership which lapsed post-2022.
…
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka could be eligible for the 2027 season featuring a lean schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with exclusive fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferred comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a star.
Jon Rahm expressed belief in Koepka’s PGA Tour return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka might initially play select events, especially the majors. The PGA and player councils, including Tiger Woods’ competition committee, might ease his suspension as per Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate play.
Update: It has happened: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed. The enabling \”Returning Member Program\” allows selected LIV players to reinstate membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent major achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time opportunity expiring February 2, not setting