First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. That’s the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, something he lacked in LIV. He initially switched to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. It’s no surprise he waived the last contractual playing year, though questions remain about buyouts or salary refunds. Koepka is still an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculations arise about which fairways Koepka will next play. DP World Tour would likely allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after the former lifetime bans were softened. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship at August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20-million events and limited fields. A perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will likely play at least the minimum, maybe just his favorite big events. If qualified, he would play others too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will grant some leniency for a five-time major winner, with input from board members, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just that way. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility 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 is confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s athletic merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated the program covers major champions and Players Championship winners from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” he said. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is mild: