First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor, thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found limited at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or refunds. He also remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation focuses on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would presumably be eligible immediately, potentially with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were reduced significantly. It seems that Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, as reported by ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, aiming to rejoin the player pool following a hiatus after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new, condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with elite limited fields—a perfect timing for a return suiting Koepka’s competitive nature. This comeback would also appeal to investors of PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely hosts of this new top-level circuit, as a prominent name like Koepka adds value.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently during the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can participate in high-profile events, he would play those as well.\” There’s even a chance the PGA Tour might ease the suspension chance for a five-time major champion; the decision lies with the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, supports Koepka’s immediate eligibility.
Update: This has become reality. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s sports merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies the provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline on