First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains affiliated with the rival circuit but requires more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and sought a substantial retirement payout. His decision to skip the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or return guaranteed earnings. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding which tour Koepka will play on next. He could be immediately eligible to compete on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty fee, or return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, as lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. This pivotal issue seems partially resolved. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was inactive since 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Hence, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This is an ideal comeback scenario, matching Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka on their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets invites to top-tier events, he would likely compete in those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions, potentially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. Monday evening, news spread rapidly 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently introduced ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour statement specifies the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2.