First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This decision was reportedly reached amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, was less motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure financial comfort for retirement. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or refunding guarantees. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation runs high about which fairways Koepka will next appear on—DP World Tour immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, although lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been eased. Following information from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship Aug 27-30. But Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour will introduce a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another big name.
\”He may 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, why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets into top events, he’ll play those too.\” There might be leniency for the five-time major winner from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just so. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona 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 with no suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special measure applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This decision may cause unease for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and for LIV Golf.
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