First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competitor circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level sports confrontations, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a significant retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paybacks. He remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he would likely be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the easing of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when LIV returnees play into the stronger tour’s hands? This key question is partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect re-entry moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least a minimum, and why not play the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for or is invited to top events, he’ll play those.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspensions, reportedly inclined by Rory McIlroy to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Indeed, Koepka was reinstated Monday evening and is eligible immediately, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is confirmed.
This was enabled by a Thursday-introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this exemption applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and ends February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes it is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without future precedent, posing thoughts for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining