First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This agreement was mutually friendly, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he has lacked at LIV. He moved to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and the opportunity to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch its new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next. Possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty payment, or back on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, which was greatly reduced from the lifetime ban originally imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee especially a star like Koepka benefits the Tour that has the upper hand? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the playing membership.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, strong fields – a perfect comeback timing as per Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gains entry into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will show some leniency for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s advice to allow Koepka to play again immediately.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening local time 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 at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
According to the PGA Tour statement, this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners of the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is