First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, his decision to skip the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, reduced from a life ban previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which has not been extended since 2022.
His potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the season’s close at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. This timing could allow Koepka to join the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million events with limited, top-level fields. This would be an ideal comeback opportunity in line with Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’d probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to elite events, he’d play those too.\” There is also the possibility of some leniency from the PGA Tour, involving the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is already confirmed.
This became possible through the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this exception applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three