First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his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 competitive type who needs high-level competition to be highly motivated and fired up. He had limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened to end his career early, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contract year is thus no surprise, though questions linger: Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is growing about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour grants him immediate playing rights — likely with a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year ban since his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question now has a partial answer. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). However, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule compressed to about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited and highly attractive fields — perfect timing for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the majors. If he qualifies and can play in big events, he will do so.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major champion — the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say, and Rory McIlroy recommends letting Koepka play again immediately.
Update: Just as expected, news quickly spread on Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as the fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement says