First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, who stated the decision was amicable. However, Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. It is no surprise that he skipped the last contract year, though questions remain whether he bought out his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed fee. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, a suspension significantly softened from the lifetime bans former Commissioner Jay Monahan imposed? It makes little sense to be spiteful when every returning LIV player strengthens the well-established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to restore his PGA Tour membership and rejoin its player pool.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, matching his preferences. This return would also delight investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely organizers of the new top league.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism in the podcast ‘Subpar’: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for high-profile events or can participate, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, the players’ directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspensions. Following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, they seem inclined to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA