First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, and that motivation was limited in LIV. Having switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions about buyouts or repayment linger. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next compete. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after life bans were softened? Returning players, especially prominent ones, ultimately benefit the PGA Tour’s stronger position. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it was not renewed post-2022.
His 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, when the PGA Tour plans a revamped schedule with around two dozen $20 million events and limited fields, making it an ideal re-entry point for him. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka \”may need some time but will return to the PGA Tour,\” likely playing minimum events and the big tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and executive committee led by Tiger Woods hold influence over suspensions and may grant leniency following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened. News quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent 2023 PGA Championship win was a key consideration.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once the window closes, no