First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, was less motivated during his LIV stint. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season is unsurprising though questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation continues about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely subject to penalties, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. The PGA Tour benefits from LIV returnees, especially prominent ones like Koepka, making the situation advantageous. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, by which time the 2026 PGA Tour season concludes with the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — ideal for Koepka’s style. This move would also draw favor from PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing the major events he prefers. PGA Tour leadership including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly side with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka promptly.
Update: This has now happened: As of Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent major victory, the 2023 PGA Championship, was considered in this decision.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes this special rule applies only to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is a one-off opportunity, not setting a precedent. This development likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease within LIV Golf.
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