First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level contests, found limited motivation in LIV and originally switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next—whether on the DP World Tour, where he would likely be eligible immediately possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from playing after his last LIV event. However, the lifelong bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been substantially softened. Recent reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveal that Koepka formally submitted an application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the players’ circle.
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If a suspension applies, it would expire in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. This timeline means Koepka could be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with highly contested limited fields—a perfect comeback moment suiting Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, likely managing this new premier league, would welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber.
Jon Rahm recently shared on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum events he needs, why not the ones he enjoys, the majors. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly have influence over suspension enforcement and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On 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 in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona has also been confirmed.
The new \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, permits select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s athletic accomplishments, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as