First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something that was limited at LIV. He had initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was ending due to injuries and to secure a good retirement fund. The decision to skip the final contract year raises questions about whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed pay and if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties, while the PGA Tour still holds a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, though lifetime bans have been relaxed. Returnees to the PGA Tour benefit the circuit’s interests, and according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August after the Tour Championship concludes the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, a perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and pick the big events he likes. If he qualifies, he’ll compete as well.\” The PGA Tour board, players’ directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee may waive the suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: That is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to be readmitted to the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners over the past three years and expires on February 2. \”This is a one-time