First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil issued a cordial statement about the mutual agreement. Koepka, known for his competitiveness at the highest level, was less motivated by LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely after a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. Returning to the PGA Tour could benefit both Koepka and the Tour. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that ended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields, a perfect time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll 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 other big events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who could influence suspension decisions, might follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened exactly like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially winning the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may cause concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for