First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Expected: Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; he will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. His 2022 move to LIV was largely motivated by injury concerns and securing a solid pension fund. So, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed earnings. Koepka also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
The big speculation concerns which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour would allow immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or he could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension, following softened lifetime bans initially imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when a returning LIV star benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and be readmitted to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August. Although the 2026 season, culminating with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, ends around then, Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season featuring a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. Then if he qualifies or gets invites to more, he’ll play those too.\” Moreover, a five-time major champ might receive leniency from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
Made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule enacted last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners of the past three years with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, no guarantee this path