First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull plans her YouTube debut. The Back Nine.Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor motivated by high-level challenges, was only partially engaged at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 due to injury uncertainties about his career’s longevity and to secure a substantial retirement fund. The waiver of his final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed payment? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC with Talor Gooch as captain? Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility might be possible albeit likely with a penalty; or PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following softened lifetime bans previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking reinstatement into the player roster.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season via the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields, making it an ideal time to return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely managing the new top league, would welcome the addition of another prominent star. Jon Rahm recently shared on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into the big events, he’ll play those as well.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy reportedly advocating for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is back on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to renew their PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sports merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a single, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent. Once this window closes, no guarantee exists that it will reopen.This