First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level sports battles, had limited motivation at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly because he feared his career might end early due to injuries and wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements. Will he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a fine; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, and rejoin its player roster.
A possible suspension would end in August. Although the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields — a perfect time for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backbone, would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or gets invitations, he’d play those too.\” Rory McIlroy recommends directly allowing Koepka back, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods has influence over suspensions. Fans largely agree, as a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll showed.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner gets a lenient eye in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible for 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 in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension.