First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager to compete, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive spirit who thrives in high-level contests, was only moderately motivated at LIV. In reality, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure financial stability due to injury concerns potentially ending his career. Hence, skipping the contractually last season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paying back guarantees. Is the 35-year-old still an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which has made Talor Gooch the new captain?
Speculations abound regarding which fairways Koepka will soon appear on — DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension dating from his last LIV appearance after lifelong bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vengeful if every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the Tour wielding the longer lever? This key question seems partially answered now. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
A possible ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka could be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, making it a perfect comeback timing in line with his preferences. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backers of the new premier league, welcoming another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those as well.\” Perhaps the Tour will show leniency to the five-time major winner — alongside the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on the suspension decision, reportedly heeding Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: This is exactly what happened. Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were specifically considered in his case