First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another challenge, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found only limited at LIV. He had switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Hence, missing the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or guaranteed salary repayments. At 35, Koepka still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would allow him immediate eligibility, perhaps subject to penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following reductions in prior lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when any returning LIV player fuels the rival tour’s advantage? This question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022.
An existing suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, perfect for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another strong name.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm 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 can get entry to high-profile events, he’d play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee also have a say, and Rory McIlroy reportedly supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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 is enabled by the recently introduced “Returning Member Program” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were key in this decision.
The PGA Tour’s statement clarifies that this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity