First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level confrontations but was only moderately motivated at LIV events. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly because he feared an early career end due to injuries and wanted to secure his retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is understandable, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation rages about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly reduced? Why be vengeful when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful established tour? This crucial question now seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player ranks.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressed to nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-ranked fields — the perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s competitive nature. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome such a marquee name in the new top-tier league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for or gets into more high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient toward the five-time major winner. Aside from the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say in suspensions. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be reinstated immediately.
Update: Just as predicted, on Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on 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 at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a new regulation called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements