First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon: 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he experienced only to a limited extent in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mostly because of injuries that threatened his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding financial terms and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will play on next. 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 since his last LIV event, although former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been greatly reduced. This key question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire this August. Although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. The timing is perfect for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the top league organizers, would be pleased to have another strong name onboard.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-level events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour might be lenient with a five-time major winner; besides the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka to play immediately.
Update: That has now happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule created last Thursday, called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits from Florida were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the special rule applies to major and Players winners from