First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for being highly competitive at the top level, showed only limited motivation at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment. Koepka also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation after previous lifetime bans were softened. Given that most LIV returnees now favor the PGA Tour, this issue seems partially resolved. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events and limited fields. This would be the perfect re-entry moment, fitting Koepka’s preference. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also appreciate a high-profile returnee. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum and select big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately reinstate Koepka.
Update: The news broke Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” rule enacted last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. This development raises questions for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s