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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His choice to skip the final contracted season raises questions about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guarantees, and if he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows regarding Koepka’s future tour participation: will he join the DP World Tour where he could immediately play, possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, serving a one-year suspension imposed after his last LIV event, which has since been lightened by the former commissioner Jay Monahan? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to be reinstated as a playing member.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season culminating at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with fully fielded limited-player events. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would also appeal to investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, who would welcome another strong name for their top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need some time but he expects him to return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum events and his favorite major tournaments. Possibly, the PGA Tour might be lenient on Koepka’s suspension given his status as a five-time major winner, with input from tour officials, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening news confirmed Koepka’s immediate eligibility on the PGA Tour, with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January already on his schedule. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without serving suspensions. In Koepka’s case, his recent sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win (his