First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in top-level sports clashes, was less motivated in LIV. He switched to the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His choice to skip the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyout or payback of guaranteed fees. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of previously lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be spiteful when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the established tours? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields—a perfect comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also benefit from adding another strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner, considering recommendations from Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ competition committee.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, it spread like wildfire that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\”, created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship, the fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is