First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; however, he remains connected to the rival circuit, citing more time needed for family. This amicable arrangement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he felt was limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury doubts about continuing his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His waiver of the last contract season raises questions whether he had to buy out or repay guaranteed salary, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—likely with a penalty—or aim for the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event is in place, after previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced. The key question—why be vindictive when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour—is partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect time for his return. This addition would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors supporting the league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies or is eligible for high-profile events, he would play those too.\” A waiver of Koepka’s suspension might be granted by the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that: On Monday evening (local time), news spread quickly that Koepka is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
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