First start at the Farmers already, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level competitions, something he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyout or partial paybacks. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rampant about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly via penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the already dominant Tour? This key issue seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale, the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA introduces a compressed schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with the best limited fields – perfect timing for a comeback in his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for top events or gets invited, he’ll play those as well.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might soften his suspension – especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: That happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread 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 at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win (his fifth major), were key factors.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one