First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026 starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for 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 at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his forgoing of the last contracted playing year raises questions, such as whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed income. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, since previous lifetime bans were largely softened? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top-tier fields—a perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marketable star.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the “Subpar” podcast. “He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invitations to high-profile events, he would play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner—decision power on suspensions rests with the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods—following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: This came true. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
Made possible by a recently created rule called the “Returning Member Program,” which allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were taken into account, notably his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this exemption applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline on February 2. “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity