First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement, this was a mutual agreement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition but was less motivated in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed salary. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the stronger tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, highly ranked fields—a perfect re-entry time suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the Subpar podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum — why not the big events he likes? If he can qualify or get invites to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour could be lenient on the five-time major champ regarding his suspension, influenced by the Board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately PGA Tour eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players champions over the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA CEO Brian Rolapp. This will make players like Jon