First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon also 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked somewhat at LIV. In 2022, he mainly joined LIV as he feared his career was ending due to injuries and wanted substantial retirement earnings. Thus, foregoing the final contractual season is understandable, though questions linger about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations abound on where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the PGA Tour, so this issue seems partly resolved. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, dormant since 2022.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would appreciate another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on majors and big events, and if he qualifies or gets in, he’d play more.\” The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may waive suspensions for this five-time major winner.
Update: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will play the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the recently established \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing certain LIV players to rejoin without suspension, considering Koepka’s sporting merits, mainly his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, expiring on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a one-time opportunity with no precedent, signaling big