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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family.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, which he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. The waiver of his last contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments of guaranteed sums. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations are rife over where Koepka will next compete: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty; or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, yet bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why hold grudges when LIV returnees, especially prominent ones, benefit the more powerful PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with top-limited fields—a perfect comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would notably welcome another star.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and tournaments he likes—the majors. If he qualifies or is invited, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the governing bodies will be lenient with the five-time major champ, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: As forecasted, news spread Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” launched last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were heavily considered.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time defined opportunity with no precedent or guarantee. This will impact prospects like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause une