First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit, needing more time for his family. This was amicably agreed according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type, highly motivated by top-level competition, something he rarely found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the prospect of securing a good retirement fund. Thus, foregoing the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play next, possibly the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps after a penalty, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation remains, though previous life bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star player, benefits the PGA Tour’s leverage? This key question seems somewhat answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he had not renewed after 2022, to be reinstated as a playing member.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he enjoys? If he qualifies or gets entries to top events, he’d play those too.\” Maybe the PGA Tour, including players’ directors and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, will show leniency for a five-time major winner, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This came true. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.