First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for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 competitor who thrives on high-level sports battles, and this motivation was somewhat lacking in LIV. In 2022, he mainly joined LIV due to injury concerns that threatened his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about a possible buyout or partial repayment of guaranteed money. At 35, does he remain an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which has named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour, where he could be immediately eligible — possibly after a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, although the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the longer-established PGA Tour? This critical question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, seeking readmittance to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule consolidating about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited top-tier fields, a perfect time for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name. Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting Koepka may initially play a minimum schedule focusing on preferred, major events and then possibly expand. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway on suspensions and seem inclined, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, to allow Koepka immediate competition.
Update: It happened just as expected. On Monday evening local time, the news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” which permits selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s case considered his sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This should make Jon