First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found lacking at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury woes and to secure his retirement fund, it is less surprising he is skipping the final contracted season, though questions about payout or buyout remain. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next. He could return to the DP World Tour immediately, perhaps with a penalty, or rejoin the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. The previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the more influential PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
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The potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect time for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and maybe the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets in, he’ll play those too.\” Koepka may get leniency on his suspension, with Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship title, were key factors.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies only to major winners and Players champions from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity without precedent, potentially keeping others like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith considering their