First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, something he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or back on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka officially applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not extended past 2022, seeking reinstatement into the playing field.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule compressed with about two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said on the \”Subpar\” podcast recently. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or is invited to elite tournaments, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, considering the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods might follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: This has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is again eligible to play on the PGA Tour effective immediately 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.
Enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday that allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially winning the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases