First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back at it, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated during top-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He mainly joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about buyout or repayment. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, led now by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play—DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question, benefiting the PGA Tour, seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field, suspended since 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 play under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee player.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the “Subpar” podcast. “He will likely at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for or gets invited to top events, he’ll play those as well.” Possibly an exception might be made for the five-time major winner—in addition to the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence the suspension, and follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete again.
Update: As it happened, news quickly spread Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. Also confirmed is his entry at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by a new regulation named the “Returning Member Program” created last Thursday, permitting selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were recognized in this case.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The window closes February 2. “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent,” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.