First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, and Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a highly competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Hence, skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. It is unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will compete on next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, since lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. The key question appears partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—an ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the addition of such a marquee player.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies or can play in high-profile events, he’ll compete in those as well.\” There may even be leniency on his suspension at Ponte Vedra Beach, where along with the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say—Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On 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 in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new rule created last Thursday called the ‘Returning Member Program’, allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s