First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV provided only moderately. Originally, in 2022, he joined LIV mainly because of injury-related doubts about the longevity of his career and the chance to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, it’s not surprising he foregoes the last contractual season, although questions remain: did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations abound about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, since former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when any returning LIV star, especially a prominent one, benefits the already stronger tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top fields—a perfect time for reentry. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operators, who would welcome another strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I’d say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will ease Koepka’s suspension, considering his five major titles—the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence here, with Rory McIlroy already recommending Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: This has come true. 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 at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a new rule introduced last Thursday called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were notably considered, especially his 2023