First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, found it somewhat unfulfilling at LIV. Initially switching in 2022 due to injury doubts and to secure his retirement finances, his skipping the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, led now by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tour Koepka will next play on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour sees him serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans have been softened. The key question is now partially answered: According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to rejoin the playing field after discontinuing it post-2022.
A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour season, which introduces a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his return. This move would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top tier league, welcoming such a strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” shared Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, picking his favorite big tournaments. If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” Given his stature, it’s possible the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach might overlook his suspension — the decision lies with the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, which aligns with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: That has come to pass. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
Enabling this is the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s on-course merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were key.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will