First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, seemed less motivated at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractual season is understandable though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed payment. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after formerly imposed lifetime bans were softened. This critical question appears partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring top-tier limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the new league’s backers.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said 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 invites to big events, he will play those too.\” There might even be leniency for the five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach, where the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible thanks to the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were particularly recognized, including his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
A PGA Tour statement notes this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rol