First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season set to begin February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only in high-level tournaments, which LIV did not fully provide. He moved to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career end and to secure a good retirement fund. So his waiver of the last contractually obligated season is unsurprising, although questions remain about buyouts and payouts. Still, does the 35-year-old remain the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
There is much speculation where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he would have to serve a one-year ban since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan drastically reduced lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player boosts the established Tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the season. That would make him eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with top-tier limited fields—perfect timing for Koepka’s return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the Subpar podcast, “He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invitations to the top events, he would play them.” It’s possible the PGA Tour competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, might overlook some of Koepka’s suspension, especially since Rory McIlroy recommended Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: Just like that, on Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedence,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This should make Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith think, stirring une