First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit, but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type, motivated primarily by top-level competition, which he arguably lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career’s end and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he’d serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance following the downgraded lifetime bans. Why vengefulness when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the PGA Tour. This major question is partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season ending with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with exclusive fields, a perfect comeback timing. Investors of PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for top events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champion — suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s call to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as anticipated. 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 end of January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule named the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were notably recognized, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the special rule applies to major champions and Players winners in the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity