First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited on LIV. He joined LIV mainly in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, the decision to skip the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or refunding guaranteed earnings. Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour could welcome him immediately, potentially against a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a softened lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-lapsed PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s close at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, best-field fields—ideal for his return. This also benefits PGA Tour Enterprises investors eager for star power.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, probably the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The decision-makers, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may waive the suspension following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule established last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory as a fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this window closes, no guarantee this path will be available again.\” This may cause reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and stirred unease in LIV Golf.