First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Those who know Koepka understand he is a competitive type who gets motivated by high-level sporting challenges—something LIV did not consistently provide. Koepka switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him fear his career was ending, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually required season is no surprise, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation mainly revolves around which fairways Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible – likely against a penalty fee? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why hold grudges when any LIV returnee, especially a big name, benefits the dominant Tour? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields—perfect timing for his comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backers, would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might 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, maybe the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets into big events, he’ll play those too.\” And perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency to the five-time major winner — besides the board, the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on suspensions, and they reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return as recommended by Rory McIlroy. Indeed, a majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: Leniency towards the five-time major winner has become a reality. News spread rapidly 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 at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV