First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull heading to 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. The decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation continues about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from last LIV participation, reduced from earlier lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when a returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022.
A suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, which introduces a new PGA Tour schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring top limited fields — an ideal comeback stage fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star for the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may take some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or is invited to top-tier events, he’ll play those too.\” There is talk of a potential tolerance for the five-time major champ regarding the suspension by the PGA Tour board, players’ directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, echoing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka was reinstated immediately as PGA Tour eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is due to the \”Returning Member Program,\” a regulation created the previous Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship, his fifth major, were key to this decision.
The PGA Tour stated that the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp affirmed, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once