First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, was less motivated in LIV, having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refunds and whether the 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he is serving a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant relaxation of the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when any prominent LIV returnee strengthens the already dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a tour player.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. This would make Koepka eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with the best players in limited fields—ideal timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name. Jon Rahm recently told the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.’ There is also speculation that the PGA Tour might show leniency toward a five-time major champion; the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is now eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the “Returning Member Program,” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win—the fifth major—were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement defines this special rule for major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases