First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, and Charley Hull is soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level contests, was only moderately motivated during his time at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV primarily because he feared his career might end early due to injury and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculations are growing about which fairways Koepka will play next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, as lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It seems sensible not to be vindictive, as every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the legacy tour. This question appears partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally requested reactivation of his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player ranks.
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, well-staffed fields — a perfect time for him to return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backers of this top league, would surely welcome another marquee 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 at least play the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he can then qualify or participate in high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient for the five-time major winner — suspension decisions involve the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: Just as predicted, it quickly spread Monday evening local time that Koepka is now eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately. He will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits,