First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, hasn’t fully ignited his competitive fire in LIV. He moved there mainly in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, foregoing the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed pay. It is also unclear if Koepka will remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty payment, or he could return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Previously, former Commissioner Jay Monahan imposed lifetime bans that have since been softened. It now appears Koepka has applied formally to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player, according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach.
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The suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for play in 2027 when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with exclusive fields. This timing is ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome such a marquee 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’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major winner. The decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, reportedly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again.
Update: It has happened: news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners