First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competitions, a spark he rather lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, so his decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions. Was there a buyout or a repayment of guaranteed remuneration? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will tee off next: on the DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? After all, welcoming LIV returnees, especially stars, suits the longer-established tour. Sources reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). For 2027, Koepka would be eligible when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields – the perfect comeback moment for him. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely underwriters of the top new league.
Jon Rahm recently discussed this on the \”Subpar\” podcast, saying, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies or is invited for high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Moreover, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold suspension decisions and may heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate play.
Update: The development unfolded quickly: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win – his fifth major – were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship champions 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,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this window closes, there is