First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive athlete who thrives on top-level competition, something he hardly found in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a considerable retirement fund. Consequently, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions linger about potential buyouts or payback of guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next—on the DP World Tour where he would immediately be eligible, possibly after a penalty payment? Or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension awaits since his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were softened by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Allowing prominent LIV-returnees back supports the PGA Tour’s leverage. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship’s conclusion. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events and limited fields, a perfect time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name in the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The tournament committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, considering Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately, may waive suspension.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly established \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies