First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete, Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a highly competitive athlete who thrives in top-level tournaments, showed limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about ending his career early and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his choice to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rampant regarding which tours Koepka will compete on next. The DP World Tour would immediately allow him to play—likely with a penalty fee—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after lifelong bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially reduced. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the longer-established PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring exclusive fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top-tier league’s backers, would welcome another major name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I guess, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner—besides the board, player directors and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, have say in suspensions and follow Rory McIlroy’s advice, who would reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: Just as expected, on Monday evening local time, news spread swiftly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play 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 TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.<