First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets fully motivated and fired up by top-level competition, which he lacked somewhat in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he thought his career was ending due to injury and wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is unsurprising, though some questions remain, such as whether he paid out part of his guaranteed money or remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the well-established PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, by which time the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-tier fields, perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets invitations to high-profile events, he would play those.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions and may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened just like that. 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 late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” enacted last Thursday, which permits selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s case considered his recent sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and