First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time, LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated amicably. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level contests, struggled to find motivation on LIV. He initially joined in 2022 largely because injuries threatened his career’s end and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions arise about buyouts or salary repayments. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. It’s been questioned why the PGA Tour would be vindictive, especially since prominent LIV returnees benefit the established tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed since 2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a new schedule of about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, elite fields. A perfect comeback moment suiting Koepka’s style, and a big draw for PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he can qualify or get invites to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” A five-time major winner like Koepka may receive leniency from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened exactly like that. Monday evening news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the new ‘Returning Member Program’ established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship — his 5th major — were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special