First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, which he only partially found at LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed league was largely influenced by injury concerns and securing substantial retirement earnings. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyout or partial repayments. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour grants immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty fee? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following eased lifetime bans previously imposed? Why be vindictive when the PGA Tour benefits from every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one? This question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he had not renewed after 2022.
An upcoming suspension would end by August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields—a perfect reintegration timing suited to his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome adding such a strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast recently. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I guess, and why not play the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for other high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour would be lenient with the five-time major champion; besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on suspensions, reportedly aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: Exactly as expected, news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed.
Enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour’s statement says this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, well-defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” commented PGA Tour