First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull joining YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something that was limited at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will join next. DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, probably with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year ban since LIV last participation after life bans were softened? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership cancelled after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual ban would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship, August 27–30. He would be eligible for 2027 with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events and limited-fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be welcomed by investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, who would value another marquee name.
“He might need some time, but I think he will 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 big events he likes? If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will make an exception for the five-time major winner, with influential parties including the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee favoring his return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: Just as expected, news spread Monday night local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” which allows select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour memberships without a ban. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship title, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players Champions of the past three years, with the deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unsettles