First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This mutual agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he only partly found at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary? Will the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculations arise on which tours Koepka will appear next: DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from the last LIV event after Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? Why be vindictive when returning LIV players benefit the established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship ending August 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, perfectly timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. This suits Koepka’s competitive style and benefits PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors who want top names.
Jon Rahm recently said in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for elite events, he’ll play those.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might waive suspension for Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him immediate play.
Update: It happened as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were a key factor, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This will concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease at LIV Golf.