First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour, and Charley Hull will soon launch her own YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level contests, was less motivated during his time at LIV. He initially joined in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Although he waived his last contractual playing year, questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership stake in Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he has a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were reduced, allowing prominent LIV returnees like Koepka a way back. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended post-2022.
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Koepka’s suspension would end in August 2026, the same time as the Tour Championship concluding that season. He would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — an ideal time for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely to run this new top league, would certainly welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing selectively in tournaments he favors, especially majors. Influence over suspension decisions includes the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is effective immediately reinstated on the PGA Tour and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ rule created last Thursday, permitting select LIV golfers to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the policy applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this as a one-time, well-defined opportunity not setting precedent for the future, a decision sure to impact players like Rahm, DeCh