First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sport, something LIV offered less of. He joined LIV in 2022 largely because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will next play — DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension would apply after his last LIV event, now softened from the previous lifetime bans. Notably, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.
The potential ban would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season, making Koepka eligible for the 2027 season, which introduces a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20-million events and elite limited fields — ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star.
Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll likely play those as well.\” With input from the Tiger Woods-led competition committee and Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, there is a strong case for Koepka’s immediate playability.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will debut at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to reinstate membership without suspension.
Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship merits were pivotal. The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions over the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique opportunity without future precedent, causing reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and concern in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from equity programs linked to PGA Tour Enterprises investment.