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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, though many are skeptical. Koepka is known as a competitor who gets motivated only by high-level competition, which was somewhat lacking at LIV. Initially, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security due to injury concerns. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee and if he will remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rampant about which fairways Koepka will soon play. The DP World Tour provides immediate eligibility, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV involvement after reduced lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour seems to welcome LIV returnees, especially prominent ones, as this benefits their leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022.
His suspension could end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, the year the PGA Tour plans to introduce a compressed schedule with roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields—the perfect comeback opportunity. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or can enter big events, he’ll play those.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—who all have input on suspensions—may be lenient for a five-time major winner, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has happened. News spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement notes this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour