First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, seemed less motivated during his time at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his decision to forgo the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about financial terms and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play on next. He would be eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension due to his last LIV event, although lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It seems practical not to hold grudges, as every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
An anticipated suspension would expire in August; although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited top-player fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new elite league.
“He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. “He will probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he’d play those, too.” Perhaps the five-time major winner will get some leeway in Ponte Vedra Beach—alongside the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to compete again immediately.
Update: It has happened: on Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to