First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was the amicable agreement announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level sporting challenges and has been somewhat limited in motivation at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared an early career end due to injury and sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out the contract or return part of the guaranteed earnings? He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event is in effect after previously imposed lifetime bans were reduced. Why be vindictive if every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing in 2022 and be reinstated among the players.
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The possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new condensed schedule packed with nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome a big name like him.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might take some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” There is even talk that a five-time major winner might get some leniency concerning his suspension by the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently established \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially