First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back at it, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive person who thrives on high-level competitions, something that LIV did not fully provide. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee? Will the 35-year-old remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will play on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previously imposed lifetime bans were significantly softened. It seems logical to avoid retribution since every LIV returnee ultimately strengthens the dominant tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally requested last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An existing suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season including the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-level fields—an ideal time for his 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,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold discretion over suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with a confirmed start at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the newly established ‘Returning Member Program,’ created last Thursday, which allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were crucial in this decision.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline ends February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said. \”Once this door closes