First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also ready for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting challenges, something he has lacked in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a hefty retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour suspended him for one year after his last LIV event, but this lifetime ban has been significantly relaxed. As many LIV returnees have rejoined the stronger PGA Tour, this major question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for 2023 and to be reinstated among players.
See the Instagram post by GOLF.com // GOLF Magazine
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s upcoming schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top fields—a perfect time for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and, why not, the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” PGA Tour authorities, including the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, and player directors might overlook the suspension for a player of Koepka’s caliber, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately.
Update: It has happened: on Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
The reason is the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were decisive.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major