First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for 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 was limited at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement amount for his personal pension fund. Given that, it is not surprising he declined to play his last contracted season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play next. DP World Tour eligibility is immediate, possibly with penalties, or PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee helps the established tours? The key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership which was not renewed after 2022, seeking re-entry.
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A possible suspension would end in August. Although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible in 2027 for the new compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, perfectly timed for his return, matching his preferences. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, backers of the new top league, would welcome a high-profile 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 play his favorite big events? If he qualifies or is invited to others, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will ease the suspension for the five-time major winner—decisions lie with the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just so. Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.