First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which was somewhat limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injury threatened to end his career, and he wanted to secure a solid retirement income. Given this, his decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain — did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour has a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vengeful when each LIV returnee, particularly a prominent one, favors the better-positioned PGA Tour? That question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be readmitted to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would thus be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour launches its new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields — a perfect comeback stage suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another major name.
\”He may need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum at first and tournaments he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major champion; beyond the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say on suspensions. Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by a new rule created last Thursday called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major