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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was a mutual and amicable decision, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition and was less motivated during his time with LIV. Originally changing tours in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement payout, his choice to forgo the final contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently appointing Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next — DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly. This crucial question seems partly answered; ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. He would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback moment suiting Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into top tournaments, he will play those too.\” Perhaps a five-time major champion will receive leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach; not only the board but player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, which allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp commented: \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once this window closes, there is