First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back too, and Charley Hull heads to YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a highly competitive player thriving in top-level contests, did not seem fully motivated by LIV events. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily for financial security after injury concerns threatened to end his career, his decision to skip the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing opportunities. He could compete immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or attempt a return to the PGA Tour where he’d currently serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. Prior lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have since been softened. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that last Friday Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership, inactive since 2022, seeking active playing status once again.
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His suspension is set to expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would thus be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning well with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events and premium limited fields—an ideal reentry point fitting Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to top tournaments, he would definitely play them.\” It’s possible that the PGA Tour—guided by the competition committee led by Tiger Woods and with player directors including Rory McIlroy, who supports Koepka’s return—will be lenient given Koepka’s accomplishments.
Update: It has happened as anticipated. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated immediately with PGA Tour playing privileges 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 is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.