First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level sport, showed limited motivation in LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed league was driven by injury concerns and securing significant retirement funds. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about which tour Koepka will appear on next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly paying a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a softening of previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee aids the PGA Tour’s interests? Part of this question seems resolved: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome adding such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” The decision-makers, including the player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may waive his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread quickly 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. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
Made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA