First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns too, Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, who stated this amicable agreement. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level contests, was less motivated in LIV. After joining LIV in 2022 mostly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, his decision to skip the final contract year is understandable, although questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch appointed the new captain.
Speculations arise about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance following a lighter penalty revision by former commissioner Jay Monahan. This situation benefits the PGA Tour as prominent LIV returnees strengthen their field. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, timed well with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields—a perfect re-entry according to Koepka’s style. This move would also appeal to investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, potentially behind the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he can qualify or gain entry, he’ll play those too.’ There could be leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach regarding his suspension, decided by board members, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately PGA Tour eligible again and will tee off 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 enabled by the ‘Returning Member Program,’ a rule introduced the previous Thursday allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted, ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future