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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a mutual, friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competitions, something he found limited in LIV Golf. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, yet questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments of guarantees. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, recently appointing Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will appear next—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 since his last LIV appearance. The lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, now benefit the longer-established tours. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Brooks Koepka applying for PGA Tour membership.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, aligned with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect time for his preferred re-entry. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome this lucrative name. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the ones he likes, the big tournaments. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods who, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, supports Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened as expected. News spread quickly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed as well.
The \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship 2023 victory as his fifth major was a particularly weighted merit. The PGA Tour states the rule applies to major and Players champions from the past three years and expires February