First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil announced an amicable agreement. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, found less motivation at LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and for securing a good retirement income, his opting out of the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or refund of guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, led by new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tour Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, likely eligible immediately possibly with penalties, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened. This critical question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks after not renewing in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—ideal for his return and appealing to investors of PGA Tour Enterprises backing the top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” There is talk of leniency for Koepka by the PGA Tour board, players’ directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reflecting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: This has come true. On Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special regulation applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity not setting a precedent. Once closed, no guarantee this path will re-open.
This may give pause to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease in the LIV Golf League.