First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 is known as a competitor who thrives in high-stakes contests, something he arguably lacked in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 anticipating an early end to his career due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Given that, his decision to skip the final contracted playing season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or partial refunds of guaranteed payments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rampant about which fairways Koepka will soon grace: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately, possibly after a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previously imposed lifetime bans were significantly softened. There appears to be a clear incentive for the tour to welcome high-profile LIV returnees rather than maintain acrimony. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his dormant PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a member.
Any possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship running August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields — an ideal timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more top-tier tournaments or gets invites, he’d likely play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who all influence suspension decisions, might waive penalties for a five-time major champion, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This has come to pass. Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
The ‘Returning Member Program,’ a rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, made this possible. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship — his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement notes that the special provision applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with the deadline on