First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This agreement was reportedly reached amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he was less motivated by at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
More importantly, speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will next play on. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, though previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when the PGA Tour benefits from prominent LIV returnees? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, aligning with the Tour Championship ending the 2026 season in late August. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and appeals to PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely backing the top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the “Subpar” podcast, \”He may take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and maybe the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for other big events, he’ll play those too.\” There’s hope PGA Tour would be lenient with the five-time major champion, as both the board and the players committee, led by Tiger Woods, have influence over suspensions and apparently follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s merit as a five-time major winner, including the 2023 PGA Championship, was important in this decision.
The PGA Tour states this special regulation applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, expiring on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” says PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. Once closed,