First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family.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. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level contests and the LIV setup did not fully motivate him. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, foregoing the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. Koepka also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will compete on next. He is eligible to play on the DP World Tour immediately, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following reduced lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Interestingly, according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a member.
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The potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, which suits Koepka perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gains entry to big events, he’ll play those too.\” There may be some leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach regarding his suspension, influenced by Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, as Rory McIlroy publicly supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It 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 in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible due to the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, notably his