First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, given Koepka’s competitive nature, it is speculated he seeks to return to high-level competition. He had joined LIV Golf in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial financial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch has become the new captain.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will appear on next – the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faced a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields — a perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely backers of this new elite league, would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum — why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invitations, he’ll play those too.\” With input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee — all supportive following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back — his suspension might be overlooked.
Update: The anticipation was correct. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly implemented \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, enabling select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special arrangement applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA