First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh also returns; Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, did not seem fully motivated in LIV. He joined primarily in 2022 anticipating a premature career end due to injury and to secure a retirement fund. The decision to skip his final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees, as well as his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s next playing grounds—whether on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after former Commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans. This critical question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preference and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors, the driving force behind the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the podcast \”Subpar,\” predicting he might initially play minimally but gradually participate in major tournaments he favors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods—who can influence suspensions—may well heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: Indeed, Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new regulation created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of future availability, which could impact LIV Golf League players like Jon Rahm, Bryson De