First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh aims for a comeback; Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to an amicable agreement, as stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a financial retirement cushion. The decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will play next. He could join the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Former lifetime bans imposed by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. This aligns with the strategy not to be vindictive since returning LIV players strengthen the PGA Tour, the dominant circuit. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player’s ranks.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields – an ideal return timeline suiting him perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka in the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or get into high-profile events, he would surely play those.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: Indeed, Koepka has been reinstated immediately to the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering their sporting merits, especially Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win, his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years and expires on February 2. \”This is a one-time