First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he has found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries threatened to end his career and he wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or clawbacks. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after the previous lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, strengthens the PGA Tour’s position? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — ideal timing for his comeback. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who back the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, especially the big ones? If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” The decision on his suspension involves the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Koepka’s immediate return following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: It happened just as anticipated. 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, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely impacts