First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed this amicable agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level challenges, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure retirement income. Thus, skipping the contractually required last season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or partial salary repayments. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would expire by August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited top-tier fields—ideal timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would warmly welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invited to elite events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions, and Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: The rumors are confirmed: Koepka is immediately eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent sporting merit, notably the 2023 PGA Championship win, was recognized.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, there’s no guarantee this path will reopen.\” This likely prompts thoughts from Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and creates unease at LIV Golf League.