First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his skipping the final contract year is understandable, though questions remain about financial terms and whether he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would have immediate eligibility, possibly facing fines, or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the significant reduction of previously life-long bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why seek revenge if any LIV returning prominent player ultimately benefits the longer-established PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields—a perfect comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name at the helm.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more top tournaments, he’d play those too.\” With Rory McIlroy recommending that Koepka be allowed to play immediately, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might show leniency towards the five-time major champ.
Update: It happened just like that. Late Monday local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play 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 in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies only to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development is likely unsettling for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeCh