First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to compete again; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans were significantly reduced by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect re-entry timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will likely play at least the minimum and the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into top events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened exactly like that. 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 end of January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were acknowledged.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will open again.\” This likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith and unsett