First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to play again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. His skipping the contractually obligated final season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about financial terms and ownership status of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. He is immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly subject to penalties, or he may return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following a softening of the previously lifetime bans implemented by former commissioner Jay Monahan. This important question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, fitting perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback scenario for Koepka. Tour investors would surely welcome adding such a marquee name to the upcoming top league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting he may initially play selectively, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. There is speculation the PGA Tour might soften Koepka’s suspension, especially considering Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately. The Players and competition committee, chaired by Tiger Woods, have influence in this decision.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again, starting 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 possible due to the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were a key factor.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players winners within the last three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is a unique, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent. This development may influence other LIV players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild: a $5 million