First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for another run, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level sporting clashes, has been only moderately motivated at LIV. Having joined LIV primarily in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career prematurely and aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund, it’s not surprising he skipped his last contractual season, though questions remain regarding potential buyouts or partial repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch is the new captain.
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he could immediately be eligible possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially high-profile players like Koepka, ultimately benefits the more powerful Tour? This key question partly found an answer. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted to the player’s circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding roughly with the conclusion of the 2026 season and Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027, when the PGA Tour plans to introduce a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with the strongest limited fields — the ideal time for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s preferences. The investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, probably the new top league’s backers, would welcome another big name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll 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 tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour might be lenient with the five-time major winner — alongside the board, the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have input on suspensions, reportedly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened exactly like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by a new Friday-created rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were