First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns, anticipating an early end to his career and earning a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contract season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. He retains ownership of LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation now focuses on where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of lifetime bans once imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive, when bringing back a star LIV defector benefits the dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
See this post on Instagram
His potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship (Aug 27–30). This means Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, star-studded fields — the ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might start by playing only a minimal schedule, focusing on major events he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy advocating Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: As anticipated, news spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour, debuting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, and confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s five-time major credentials and 2023 PGA Championship victory qualified him under this rule.
The PGA Tour stated the special policy applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity, not setting precedent. This move will make LIV Golf uneasy,