First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, his decision to skip the final contracted season is understandable, though questions remain about potential contract buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka also remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play. He could rejoin the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction of previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Many wonder why the PGA Tour would not welcome back a high-profile LIV returnee, as it suits the tour’s interests. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — a perfect entry point. Even PGA Tour Enterprise investors would appreciate having another star on board.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and then the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for top events, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour will overlook his suspension given his five major wins. The decision authority includes the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is reinstated and eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January in Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, permitting select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major champions and Players winners from 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,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This