First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family.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 reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in top-level sporting contests, which he has lacked somewhat at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations swirl about which fairways Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately—likely paying a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees ultimately benefit the established tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, seeking reinstatement among the playing members.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, August 27–30. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback timing suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name in their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or can join high-profile events, he will play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will ease Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for his immediate return.
Update: This has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his major sporting merits were acknowledged, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement says the special regulation applies to major and Players Championship winners of the