First appearance already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This friendly agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022, fearing injury might end his career early and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season is, therefore, not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges if returning LIV players, especially stars, benefit the more established tour? This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022’s lapse and rejoin the player roster.
An anticipated suspension would conclude in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. It’s the perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely supporting the new top league, would welcome such a big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I’d say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will be lenient on the five-time major winner’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: This has come true. Monday evening local time brought the news that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” from last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, have been recognized.
The PGA Tour statement said this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a