First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner plans to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will play next. He would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. Interestingly, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields — a perfect comeback opportunity. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would surely welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he will play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour might ease his suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play right away.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening, news spread fast 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. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies only to major and Players winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this window closes, there is no guarantee this path will be available again.\” This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease in LIV Golf.