First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, planning for a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyout or payback of guaranteed fees, and if he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises on where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, although the previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. There is no reason to be vindictive since returning LIV players bolster the PGA Tour. This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule packed with nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited elite fields, perfect timing for his return. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely carrier of the new top league, welcoming a marquee name. Jon Rahm expressed confidence on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, playing at least selected major events he prefers. The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened just as expected: On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the recently created ‘Returning Member Program,’ a special rule allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this exception applies to major and Players Championship winners over the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp underscored this as a one-time