First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of career-threatening injuries and to secure solid retirement earnings. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding buyouts and ownership of his LIV team, Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will soon appear on. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Reasoning suggests not being vindictive makes sense since every LIV returnee strengthens the established tour’s position. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday and rejoin the players’ ranks.
Koepka’s potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule consolidating roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — the perfect timing for a comeback. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new league’s operator, who would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the “Subpar” podcast, “He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum number of events, and why not the big ones he likes? If he qualifies or can enter big tournaments, he’ll play those too.” There could be leniency toward the five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach, where the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January, with the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.