First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was agreed upon amicably. Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level competition, which he rarely found in LIV events. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career end and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he could compete immediately, possibly facing a fine, or on the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after the original lifetime bans were significantly softened. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones like Koepka, boost the established tours. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
An eventual ban expires in August, which is the end of the 2026 season following the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, a perfect comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or can compete in high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” With decision-making involving the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return seems likely.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On 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 in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created “Returning Member Program,” a rule introduced last Thursday permitting selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement notes the exception applies to major winners and Players champions of the past three years, with a deadline on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this window closes, there’s no guarantee this path will be available again.” This development likely concerns Jon