First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022, fearing his career was ending due to injuries and seeking a solid retirement fund. So, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Major speculation surrounds where Koepka will next tee off. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, although lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been eased. It makes sense for the PGA Tour to welcome high-profile LIV returnees, benefiting the stronger side. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season including the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour streamlines to about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, elite fields — a perfect re-entry timing suited to his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprise investors would surely welcome his marketable presence.
\”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 likely at least play the minimum, focusing on big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for elite events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner, as playing suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: That has come to pass. On Monday evening local time, it spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sports merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were acknowledged.
The PGA Tour states the special provision applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not