First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable decision was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives and fires up in high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Initially, he joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a good retirement income. Given that, it is not surprising he forfeited the final contract year, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate playing rights—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously lifetime bans were softened significantly. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the established tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would thus be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—ideal timing for his comeback. This move is also welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who would appreciate another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he’ll play those, too.\” PGA Tour leaders, including the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly favor allowing Koepka to play again, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement.
Update: It happened as anticipated: On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” which permits selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major was a key factor. The PGA Tour stated the program applies only to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it is a one-time opportunity, not setting a precedent.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from