First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive type motivated by elite-level battles, had limited motivation in LIV. He initially moved to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial pension fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial salary repayment. The 35-year-old remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds regarding which fairways Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would immediately allow him to compete probably with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, as the previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. It makes sense not to be vindictive since every returning LIV player benefits the already more dominant tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated after not renewing it post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season, including the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the new PGA Tour schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, ideal for a comeback on Koepka’s terms. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another star addition.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”He’ll likely at least play the minimum schedule and pick tournaments he likes, especially big ones. If he qualifies for more premium events, he will play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour could waive his suspension given his top achievements, with influence from players directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: Just as predicted, news spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and plans to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent 2023 PGA Championship victory as a fifth major was a significant factor.
The PGA Tour statement notes the exemption applies only to major and Players champions within the last three years with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp stated,