First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked somewhat at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. It is unsurprising that he forgoes the last contracted season, but questions remain about buyouts or repayments. He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would immediately be eligible on the DP World Tour—possibly with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since last LIV participation, following a reduction of life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partially answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 on the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal reentry time fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he can qualify or gets invited to top events, he will play those too.\” The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors may waive his suspension as recommended by Rory McIlroy, favoring Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: As predicted, news spread fast Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour status without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp affirmed this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not precedent-setting. Once closed, no guarantees remain. This likely influences Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unsettles LIV Golf.