First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for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 mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, which was limited on LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the final contracted season is therefore unsurprising, although questions remain: Did he buy out part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after previously imposed life bans were softened. Why be vindictive when each returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
The possible suspension would expire in August, after the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour implements a new compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, perfect timing for a comeback suiting Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He will likely play at least the minimum, probably the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner, considering recommendations from Rory McIlroy and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines. He has also confirmed participation at the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was made possible by the new ‘Returning Member Program,’ created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the special