First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This agreement was amicably reached, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something that limited his motivation in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractual season raises questions—did he buy out his contract or repay guarantees? He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which fairways Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were softened. The PGA Tour now welcomes LIV returnees, especially prominent ones, benefitting from their arrival. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible to play under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited strong fields—perfect timing for a comeback, suiting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marketable name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka promptly.
Update: It happened exactly that way. 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 at Torrey Pines late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s significant sporting achievements, including his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special regulation applies to major champions and Players winners of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This news likely causes thought among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, generating unease within