First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh ready to compete again; Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner is staying connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was declared official by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season is thus not surprising, but questions remain about potential buyouts and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are abound about where Koepka will play next. He could be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. However, lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Given that returning LIV players benefit the PGA Tour, a new direction seems likely. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be re-admitted to the players’ circle.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule with around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a prominent name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, focusing on major events he likes. If he qualifies, he’ll play those top tournaments too.\” The PGA Tour player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee could show leniency for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened as predicted. On Monday evening local time, it spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without serving a suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship victory was key to this decision.
The PGA Tour statement specifies this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said: \”This is a unique, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will be reopened.\” This development impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and