First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. His move to LIV in 2022 was mainly prompted by injury concerns and financial security for retirement. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. It’s also uncertain if he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next, possibly immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—perhaps with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, a ban recently softened from a lifetime suspension by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour appears to benefit from his return. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be readmitted to the players’ circle after leaving in 2022.
An anticipated suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields—an ideal return timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he would participate in those as well.\” Perhaps PGA Tour decision-makers, including the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will ease his suspension, partly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the recently created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant sporting achievements, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a