First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, was only partially motivated by LIV events. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season raises questions – did he buy out his contract or refund part of the guaranteed payout? Is he still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife on which tour Koepka will appear next. He would immediately be eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were significantly eased. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee bolsters the already dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactive his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, perfectly timed with PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited but strong fields, aligning with his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome a star name like him.
\”He might take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, like the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to marquee events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour – including the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee – might be lenient with the five-time major champion on the suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
According to the PGA Tour statement, the special rule applies to major champions 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,\” said