First start 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the final contract year raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guarantee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation mainly surrounds where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would have immediate eligibility likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the well-established PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, fitting perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, ideal for his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the events he likes, especially the big ones. If he qualifies or can play in top events, he’ll play those too.\” There’s potential leniency from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major and Players winners of the past three years, with the