First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests and was less motivated in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and securing a retirement fund, his choice to skip the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyouts and whether he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculations revolve around where Koepka will next compete — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans were softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle after not renewing in 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship from August 27-30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule focused on about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields — an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the added star power.
Jon Rahm recently noted on the “Subpar” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those.\” There might be leniency for Koepka’s suspension from the tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka return immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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 in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is possible through a new rule created last Thursday called the “Returning Member Program,” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, especially his 2023 PGA Championship — his fifth major.
The PGA Tour’s statement explains this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the past three years. The deadline is February 2, and PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this as a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent for future cases. Once closed, no guarantee exists that this pathway will reopen.This likely impacts Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes concern within LIV Golf