First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but requires more family time. This was a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level sports challenges, was only moderately motivated at LIV. He joined LIV Golf in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It is thus unsurprising he waived the final contracted playing season, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the significant reduction of the previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees suit the more powerful Tour’s interests? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields — an ideal reintegration timing suiting him well. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a marquee 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’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If qualified or invited to premier tournaments, I’m sure he’ll compete.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible through a newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years. The deadline ends on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases