First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026 starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was 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 at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily to secure his retirement financially after injury concerns. His decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions, such as whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee and if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, softened from a lifetime ban imposed earlier. This significant question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields — ideal for his comeback. This would also welcome a star name for PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for or gets invites to top events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news broke rapidly that Koepka is now eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a newly created rule permitting select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were recognized. The PGA Tour states the special rule covers major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with the deadline on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp stressed this is a unique, defined opportunity, not a precedent