First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has shown limited motivation at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury uncertainties and seeking a solid retirement fund. Hence, giving up the last contracted season is unsurprising though questions arise whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next—possibly the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans were significantly eased. Returning LIV players, especially stars like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand financially and sportingly. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backers.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take time but will return to the PGA Tour. Rahm expects Koepka to at least play minimum events, selecting the big tournaments he likes and qualifying to play more. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return, have a say in the suspension.
Update: Koepka is now eligible to compete on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the program is for major winners and Players champions of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee of repetition. This may concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson