First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competitor circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level competition, which he found somewhat limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Mainly, speculation abounds about where Koepka will soon appear. On the DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV start after initial lifetime bans enforced by Commissioner Jay Monahan were heavily softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a marquee name like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour which holds the advantage? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking readmission to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible in 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule with nearly two dozen 20-million dollar events featuring limited fields. Perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another strong name on the top-tier league.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently in the ”Subpar” podcast. “He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner—apart from the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say—and Rory McIlroy has already recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is confirmed to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was made possible by the newly created “Returning Member Program,” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour statement notes this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. “This is a one-time