First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of the guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, now softened from the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. This key question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field after his contract lapse in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, also concluding the 2026 PGA Tour season with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the new PGA Tour schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — a perfect timing for his return. This move would also please investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, which probably underpins the new top league, welcoming a prominent name like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. Once qualified or invited, he would play those as well.\” There is also speculation that the PGA Tour might show leniency toward the five-time major champion regarding his suspension. Decisions rest not only with the board but also the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, would allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It has happened: 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 at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merit, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, was considered. The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said