First start at the Farmers already confirmed, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was announced officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, was not fully motivated at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career end and to secure a retirement fund. His choice to forgo the final contractual season raises questions: did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed fee? He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following a softened lifetime ban originally imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million-plus tournaments with limited, strong fields — a perfect time for his comeback, fitting his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome the addition of such a star.
Even Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for top events, he’d play those too.’ The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspension decisions, reportedly supporting Koepka’s immediate return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is made possible by the ‘Returning Member Program’ created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s recent major achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, expiring February 2nd. CEO Brian Rolapp notes, ‘This is a one-time defined opportunity and does not set a precedent.’ This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and LIV Golf League organizers.
Koepka’s