First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on the PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable arrangement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
The speculation intensifies on where Koepka will play next. DP World Tour eligibility is immediate, possibly with a penalty, or a return to PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the easing of former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when everyone benefits from a high-profile LIV returnee? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally submitted last Friday a request to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player group.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under PGA Tour’s revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, ideal timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star name like him.
Jon Rahm recently told the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, maybe the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other big events, he’ll play them too.’ The suspension decision rests with the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who seem inclined to heed Rory McIlroy’s call to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Indeed, it happened. News spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete again on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed.
This became possible through the ‘Returning Member Program,’ a new rule established last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the last three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. Once the door closes, there’s no guarantee this path will reopen.’ This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau