First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for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 in high-level contests, something that was somewhat limited during his time at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contract year is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or guarantee repayment. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty fee, or possibly return to the PGA Tour, where he faced a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a substantial reduction of the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the established tour? This question seems partially answered, as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour plans a new condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, elite fields. A perfect time for his return, fitting his competitive nature. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another high-profile name, too.
\”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 the minimum at least, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or get into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions; following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, they might allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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 in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday to allow selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant recent achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win