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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable decision was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He had originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. So his decision not to play the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial details and his ownership role in LIV team Smash GC.
Speculation continues about which tours Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible—probably with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after prior lifetime bans were softened. This question seems partly answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it was not renewed post-2022, seeking readmission to the player ranks.
See this post on Instagram
The potential 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 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with the strongest limited fields. The timing suits Koepka’s preference and would please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely organizers of the new top league, welcoming a marquee name like him.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the Subpar podcast. “He will probably at least play the minimum. Why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he can qualify for top events, he would play those, too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner, as the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence on suspension decisions. Rory McIlroy himself reportedly supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: This 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 in Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created “Returning Member Program” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were recognized.
The