First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back at it, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership status in LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation centers on which tours Koepka will appear on next. On the DP World Tour, he is immediately eligible to play—likely for a penalty fee. On the PGA Tour, he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why maintain grudges if every prominent LIV returnee plays into the PGA Tour’s hands? This question partly answers itself after ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that expired after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season from August 27–30. Thus, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—the perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the big events he enjoys? If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will ease his suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule named \”Returning Member Program\” created the previous Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special measure applies to major and Players Championship winners in the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, no guarantee it will reopen.\” This may concern Jon Rahm, Bry