First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another go, Charley Hull soon also 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, was less motivated during LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury could end his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to forgo the last contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or payback of guaranteed fees. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will play on next: DP World Tour, where he is likely immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following reduced lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking reinstatement after his membership expired post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27–30). Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season’s revamped PGA Tour featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-player fields—ideal timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s reintegration involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports letting Koepka play again, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: On Monday evening local time, the news spread 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 at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering their recent major victories. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win was a key merit for this.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, no guarantee the path will reopen.\” This development may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern in LIV Golf League.
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