First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he found only limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or reimbursements. He’s still the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour offers immediate playing rights, possibly subject to fines, while the PGA Tour enforces a one-year suspension for former LIV players, now softened from earlier lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It makes sense not to be vindictive given how returning LIV players benefit the PGA Tour, which holds more leverage. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player’s circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August, after the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited and stronger fields — the ideal time for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said 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 or is invited to major events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will be lenient with this five-time major champion, especially following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka’s case was swiftly resolved. By Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” established the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win—the fifth major—were key factors.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this special exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline