First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning to compete, 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season raises questions: Did he pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will appear on next – the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, likely paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. After lifetime bans from ex-commissioner Jay Monahan were softened, this question has partial answers. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and regain playing status after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, fitting perfectly with PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and chose the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or receives invites to major events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may waive suspensions for five-time major champions, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This has happened. On Monday evening, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement indicates this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there’s no guarantee the path will re-open.\” This likely impacts Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and creates unease for