First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, something he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career’s end and to secure a retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions about buyouts or partial returns of guaranteed payments. He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will next play—on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, presumably with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened previous lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when notable LIV returnees benefit the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks following 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s reconfigured schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—the perfect timing for a comeback. This also appeals to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the top league’s backers eager for another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on big events he likes. If he qualifies or can enter top events, he might play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour may overlook some suspension details for a five-time major winner; the decision involves board members, player directors, and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, also echoing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to permit Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is again eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed as well.
This became possible through the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sports merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian