First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated and fired up during high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries made him consider ending his career and wanted a solid retirement fund. So his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound regarding which tours Koepka will appear on next. DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—possibly with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, which also marks the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields. A perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the holders of the new top league, would surely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook a suspension for the five-time major winner—alongside board members, player directors and the competitive committee led by Tiger Woods have influence, and Rory McIlroy supports letting Koepka play immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible through a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.