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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he only somewhat experienced with LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening to end his career and to secure financial stability for retirement. Hence, skipping the final contractual season is understandable, though some questions remain regarding payouts and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately perhaps by paying a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he still faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened, and reintegrating high-profile LIV players could strategically benefit the PGA Tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday, seeking to reactivate his membership.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20-million tournaments with restricted, high-caliber fields—perfect timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome having such a marquee name back.
Jon Rahm recently suggested in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, choosing the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more top tournaments, he would play those too.\” The decision could be eased by the PGA Tour’s board, the player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return per Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” enacted last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement notes the special rule is valid for major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2, labeled as a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity\” with no guarantee of recurrence, as PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said. This development is significant for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease in the LIV Golf League