First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something he found only limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the last contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyout or salary repayment. He also remains owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation grows on which fairways Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (possibly paying a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he has a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after previously imposed lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, high-quality fields—a perfect time for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
Even Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he can then qualify or get invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, with Rory McIlroy openly supporting Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the exception applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years and the deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not precedent for the future,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty