First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he rarely experienced on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to forego the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour, where he could immediately play possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the softening of previously lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when a prominent LIV returnee benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing since 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, just in time for the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — a perfect comeback scenario fit for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name in their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for high-profile events, he will play those, too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will overlook the suspension for the five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to let Koepka play again.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule created last Thursday called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Champions from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future