First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull going soon to 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level challenges, was only moderately motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury might end his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayments. Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation centers on where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event due to softened lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when returning LIV players, especially stars, strengthen the PGA Tour, which holds more leverage? This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he didn’t renew after 2022.
An eventual ban 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 plans a revamped schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a marquee name like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for major events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee will ease his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate participation.
Update: The news spread quickly 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 in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unease in LIV Golf.