First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull going YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting contests, showed less motivation at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. So skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, though lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees benefit the more powerful PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement among players.
Any suspension would expire in August. Although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. The perfect time for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would surely welcome another strong name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter more elite events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, Koepka might get leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach—the suspension involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as anticipated. Monday evening local time, news spread quickly 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
Enabling this is the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.