First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest levels, found limited motivation and intensity playing for LIV. Initially, he joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns near the end of his career and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or partial refund of guaranteed pay. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, mitigated from earlier lifetime bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan. Welcoming LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds leverage. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, discontinued after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preference, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” It’s possible Koepka might receive leniency from officials in Ponte Vedra Beach, including the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: This has come true. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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 TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible through a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were crucial.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not