First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, Charley Hull soon launching on 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially found at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and planning for retirement income, his waiver of the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or refund of guaranteed salary. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, perhaps paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when each LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the stronger PGA 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 renewed after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring limited elite fields – a perfect re-entry timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome another big name joining their top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently indicated on the Subpar podcast that Koepka may need time but will return, probably playing only select big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may waive suspensions, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has happened: Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately reinstated on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ rule established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s achievements, particularly the 2023 PGA Championship win, qualified him under this policy.
The PGA Tour states this special rule covers major and Players champions from the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this one-time opportunity sets no precedent. This may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause