First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back; Charley Hull to launch 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor motivated by high-level sports contests, and that fire was somewhat missing at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mostly due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure substantial retirement funds. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although some questions remain, such as if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed payout. He is still an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour offers immediate playing eligibility, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour still enforces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, although lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player serves the established tour’s interests? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which ceased after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—the ideal time for his comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, including his preferred big events. If he qualifies or receives invites to high-profile tournaments, he would participate in those as well.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour — with voting rights from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee — will grant the five-time major winner leniency, especially following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for his immediate play.
Update: As it happened, news spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is possible due to the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent accomplishments, especially the 2023 PGA Championship title as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years.