First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain associated with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. After switching to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about his career’s longevity and to secure his retirement fund, it is not surprising he is skipping the final contractual season, though questions remain about buyouts or guarantee repayments. He still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly against a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event applies, though lifetime bans have been significantly relaxed since former commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes sense for LIV returnees to rejoin the stronger leverage of the PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—the perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he favors, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The decision on Koepka’s suspension involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee. Rory McIlroy has recommended letting Koepka play without delay.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, confirmed Monday evening local time, and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once the door closes, no guarantee this path will reopen.\” This decision will impact players like