First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, had limited motivation on LIV. In 2022, Koepka joined LIV mainly because an injury had threatened his career, and he wanted a suitable retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyout or refund of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were softened. This crucial question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, a perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments or gains entry, he’ll play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour may even look leniently on the five-time major champ’s suspension decision, with player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee holding sway and Rory McIlroy supporting Koepka’s return.
Update: It happened as anticipated. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key.
The PGA Tour states the special provision covers major winners and Players champions from the last three years