First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something that was limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career might end prematurely due to injury and wanted to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain—did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour could welcome him immediately—perhaps with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he had a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, now significantly reduced from the original lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. With every LIV returnee arguably benefiting the PGA Tour, the question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player following his 2022 departure.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the finish of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with exclusive elite fields—the perfect time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely appreciate such a marquee name joining the new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum, I’d say, and why not his favorite big events? If he qualifies or gains entry, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champion—decisions about suspensions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, also following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again.
Update: Exactly that happened. 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 at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a new regulation introduced last Thursday called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s impressive merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past