First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives in top-level competitions, a motivation he lacked somewhat at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 because injury forced him to consider early retirement and secure a solid pension fund. Thus, waiving the last contractual season is no surprise, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension post-LIV play is expected but has been noticeably softened from a former lifetime ban. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the established tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022 and rejoin competition.
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Any possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s newly condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier player fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee 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, like the big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.’ Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will waive his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to readmit Koepka immediately.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible due to the ‘Returning Member Program’ introduced the prior Thursday, allowing select LIV players membership reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s competitive merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated