First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will appear next — the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after the former commissioner Jay Monahan softened the lifetime bans. It seems the critical question has been partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reentry into the player pool.
His potential suspension would expire in August. The 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. However, Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour implements its restructured schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields. This timing should suit Koepka perfectly and would be welcome to PGA Tour Enterprises investors who back the new elite league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then can qualify for or get invites to top events, he’d play those, too.\” There might be some leniency for the five-time major champ in Ponte Vedra Beach as the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has happened as anticipated. 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a recently created rule named the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership