First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, was less motivated on the LIV tour. He switched to LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the prospect of securing a substantial retirement fund. While questions remain about financial details and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain, the decision to forgo the last contractual playing year is understandable.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. He could immediately be eligible for the DP World Tour—possibly with a penalty—or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, although lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Returning prominent LIV players serves the PGA Tour’s interests. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, and to rejoin the players’ ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship August 27–30. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA introduces a new schedule with roughly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields—ideal timing for a comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might 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 the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those, too.\” It’s possible that the PGA Tour, including the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated for the PGA Tour with immediate effect and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key to this decision.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity, not setting precedent for future cases.