First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a highly competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, barely found motivation at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 thinking his career was ending due to injury and seeking a good retirement fund. Questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife on which tours Koepka will join next. He is immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, potentially with a penalty, or possibly the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan had imposed lifetime bans, later softened. Given the PGA Tour benefits from any LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, this question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, terminated after 2022, seeking readmission.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields — ideal for his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name for the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who, along with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the provision applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This news is likely to concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambe