First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, states LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 after fearing his career would end early due to injury and to secure retirement funds. It’s not surprising he skips his last contractual season though questions remain about buyout or payback of guaranteed earnings. Whether the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch, is unclear.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play next. DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties, while the PGA Tour’s one-year suspension since his last LIV event continues, following reduction of former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. There’s no need for grudges since prominent LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited top fields, a perfect re-entry point appealing to Koepka and investors in PGA Tour Enterprises.
\”He may 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 the minimum and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to big tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will grant some leniency regarding suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. Monday evening, news spread fast that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour effective immediately, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with his participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with the deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This move likely worries Jon Rahm, Bryson