First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time with his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level challenges, something LIV did not consistently provide. In 2022, he mainly joined LIV due to injury concerns at the tail end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation rises about which tour Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour previously imposed a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, though these lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the established tour wielding a longer lever? This seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026. That season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, elite fields — ideal timing for his return and attractive to PGA Tour Enterprises investors sponsoring the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum tournaments and why not the big ones he likes? If he qualifies for high-profile events or can participate, he’d do that too.\” The PGA Tour leadership, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say in suspension matters and reportedly favor re-admitting Koepka immediately, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win — his fifth major — played a role.
The PGA Tour statement notes the rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with the deadline on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique, clearly defined opportunity, not setting precedent for future cases, and no guarantee of repetition after the window