First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement comes from an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit that ignites during high-level contests, showed limited motivation at LIV. Having switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and aiming for a lucrative retirement fund, his opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain regarding whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations flourish about where Koepka will tee off next. DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty fee, while PGA Tour membership requires serving a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following significant reductions of former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. The crucial question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual 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 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million tournaments with elite limited fields—an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another high-profile 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 into top events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competitive committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspensions and may grant Koepka leniency, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: This has come true. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is reinstated immediately on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were decisive.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years and expires on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said. This will likely concern Jon Rahm, Bryson