First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants another go; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition and gets fired up, something that was somewhat limited during his LIV tenure. He originally switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injury and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. His forfeiture of the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would allow him immediate playing privileges — possibly with a penalty — or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after life bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the already dominant Tour? This question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not extending membership beyond 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with top-ranked limited fields. Perfect timing for Koepka’s comeback and favorable for PGA Tour Enterprises investors who would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the podcast ‘Subpar.’ \”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 high-profile events, he’ll play those,\” Rahm continued. Perhaps the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will waive his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has happened: news spread quickly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the ‘Returning Member Program,’ created last Thursday, granting selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits—especially the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major—were key to this decision.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players winners from the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a