First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known to be highly competitive and motivated only by top-level competition, something that was limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Skipping his final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee, and if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about which tours Koepka will join next. He would be eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following the former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s significant reduction of lifetime bans. There seems to be a consensus to avoid retaliation, as any prominent LIV returnee strengthens the PGA Tour, which has the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
Koepka’s possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with best-field limited entry, an ideal comeback scenario fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would benefit from another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka may need time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing a minimum schedule focusing on major and preferred events. The suspension decision involves the Board, Player Directors, and a Competition Committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. News spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule from last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were recognized. The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. The rule may influence other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, generating unease in LIV Golf. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity and is