First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who finds motivation in high-level contests, something he found limited at LIV. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted playing season is unsurprising, though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next appear. He would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event awaits, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan significantly softened lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee is welcomed back by the dominant tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he had not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
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 then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields, perfect timing for his preferred re-entry. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another strong name in their likely top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, I’d say, and why not tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he would play those as well.\” There might be leniency for the five-time major winner from Ponte Vedra Beach’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—plus Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as expected. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions