First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season commencing on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This friendly agreement comes according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive spirit who thrives in high-level battles, which he rarely experienced at LIV. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, although questions remain regarding contract payouts and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will next appear on — the DP World Tour, where he is likely eligible immediately, perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after Jay Monahan’s initial lifetime bans were softened. The PGA Tour appears to welcome returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Eligible for full competition in 2027, Koepka could return perfectly timed for the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This aligns with Koepka’s preferences and would certainly appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors behind this top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need time, but I believe he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play a minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he then qualifies for or gets into top tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, reportedly supporting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened. Monday evening local time brought the news that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour again, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
Made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies only to major and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp notes this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent. Once closed, no guarantee this