First start already at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh returns, and 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated and fired up mainly by top-level competition; this was somewhat limited during his time at LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractually required playing season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
The speculation continues about which tour Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty. The PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance that has recently been softened, is another possibility. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially one as prominent as Koepka, ultimately benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for the first time since 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would thus be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. The perfect moment to return, fitting Koepka’s competitive nature. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would no doubt welcome another strong name.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. “He will likely play at least the minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.” There is hope Koepka might receive leniency from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: That has come true. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline ends February 2. “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,” said PGA Tour CEO