First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his skipping the last contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about potential buyouts or partial repayments. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players, especially a star like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the tour after not renewing post-2022.
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Any suspension would end in August. While the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, an ideal reentry time suiting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome another big name.
\”He might need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, including the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Furthermore, the player board and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans apparently agree, per a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps they bend the rules for a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.