First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, and Charley Hull is launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mostly because injuries made him doubt the longevity of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, his withdrawal from the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, recently led by Talor Gooch.
A major speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—perhaps with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, a ban softened from a lifetime ban imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the tour holding the upper hand? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. The timing is ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors are likely pleased to have such a prominent name returning.
\”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 a minimum, like the big events he likes. If he qualifies and can play in high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” There’s speculation that the PGA Tour might be lenient on the suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible thanks to a newly created rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” that allows selected LIV players to resume