First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, had limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury had threatened to end his career, and he sought a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or repay some guaranteed money? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible — possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? Why be vindictive if every prominent LIV returnee plays into the hands of the stronger PGA Tour? The question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t renewed post-2022.
His possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another star name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champion — alongside the board, the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have say in suspension policies and might follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: Exactly as predicted, news spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed to play the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is possible due to a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday to allow selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Ko