First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Initially, in 2022, Koepka joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns thinking his career was ending and to secure a financial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, though lifetime suspensions imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened? Why be vindictive when high-profile LIV returnees ultimately benefit the stronger established Tour? This key issue seems partially resolved as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields—a comeback timing ideal for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name’s return.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent \”Subpar\” podcast interview. \”He’ll probably play the minimum to start, focusing on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold say on suspensions and are reportedly inclined, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: That is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
Enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his major achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were especially considered.
The PGA Tour statement affirms the