First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injuries that threatened to end his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. It is therefore unsurprising that he has opted out of the final contractual season, though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed fee. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. Will he join the DP World Tour directly, possibly accepting a penalty? Or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were heavily relaxed? Why be vindictive when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the established tours? This major question seems somewhat settled: According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022, seeking reinstatement among the players.
A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields — a perfect moment for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. The investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, who likely back the new premier league, would also welcome this big name addition.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might need some time but expected him to return to the PGA Tour. Rahm suggested Koepka would probably play a minimum schedule, focusing on his favorite big events and playing additional high-profile tournaments if qualified. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods may well waive parts of Koepka’s suspension, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: It has happened. 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 in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This was enabled by the recently created ‘Returning Member Program’, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were especially considered, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian