First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level playing challenges, something he only partially found at LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund, his opting out of the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. He also remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. He would be immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance—a suspension considerably softened from the original lifetime ban imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after his membership was not renewed post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. This timing would make Koepka eligible for the revamped 2027 PGA Tour schedule, featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—the perfect moment for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return potential during the “Subpar” podcast, expecting him to play at least a minimal number of events, focusing on his favorite major tournaments. The PGA Tour competition committee, led by Tiger Woods and including player directors, reportedly supports moving past suspensions for a player of Koepka’s caliber, echoing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for his immediate reinstatement.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new policy called the “Returning Member Program,” which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were duly considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated that this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent for the future. This decision likely has ripple effects on players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease