First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to try again; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives at top-level competition, which he hardly found at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play—DP World Tour, where he could immediately get playing rights, possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were relaxed. Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees help the stronger tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and rejoin the player ranks.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compact schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, a perfect timing to re-enter, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome another big 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 likely play at least the minimum, maybe the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he’ll play them.\” Maybe the five-time major winner will get leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach, where player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence. Rory McIlroy endorses Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly: Koepka is now eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as the fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson