First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh’s comeback attempt, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, has shown limited motivation at LIV. He initially joined in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contract year raises questions: did he buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will next appear on. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly for a penalty, or seek reinstatement on the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when his return benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the advantage? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible as the PGA Tour compresses its schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields. A perfect reentry moment fitting Koepka’s style. The investors behind the PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backers, would welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently remarked in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies for or is invited to top-level tournaments, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were considered.
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