First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type, motivated and firing up only in high-level contests, which he found limited at LIV. He switched primarily in 2022 due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or guaranteed money repayments. Koepka, 35, remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a big name, benefits the better-resourced Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player after not renewing post-2022.
A possible suspension ends in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with elite limited fields—the perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome his marketable stature.
“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 play minimum events, focusing on the ones he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient toward a five-time major winner. The suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened as predicted. Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with the deadline February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not precedent-setting. Once closed