First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, which was somewhat lacking in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries led him to think his career was ending, and he sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or partial refunds. Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans previously imposed by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, strengthens the well-established tour? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of 2026 with the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields – a perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, backing the new top league, would welcome another strong name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” Moreover, the suspension involves input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He has also confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible via a new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, enabling selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were a key factor.
The PGA Tour statement confirms the special rule applies to major and Players champions of the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without precedent for future cases. This will certainly make Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith think and