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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, was only partially motivated by LIV. He initially joined in 2022 primarily for a retirement payout due to injury concerns. So, skipping the final contract year isn’t surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guarantee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation continues about where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s softened lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV star strengthens the well-established Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new calendar with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields — a perfect comeback timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome this high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he’d play them too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour might overlook his suspension, as the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold joint authority – and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: It happened exactly so. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created the previous Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development will surely give Jon Rahm, Bryson DeCh