First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, had limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement payout. It comes as no surprise that he skipped the final contracted season, though questions remain: Did he buy out of his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation grows about which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would likely allow immediate eligibility, probably with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. It’s pragmatic not to hold grudges, as every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the longer-established tour. This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended past 2022, seeking reentry into the player roster.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited but strong fields, an ideal time for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major name in their top league.
\”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, perhaps the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to top tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, along with the board, have say in suspensions and might overlook the ban for a five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate play. A majority of fans seem to agree, as per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: As expected, Koepka has been granted immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” that allows select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau