First start already at 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This mutual agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV mainly in 2022 due to injuries that made him foresee the end of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip his last contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour could allow him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty payment. Alternatively, the PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, though former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been significantly relaxed. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one like Koepka, benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 as the PGA Tour initiates a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields – a perfect time for his comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar\”: \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour may overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner. Alongside the board, the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to readmit Koepka, have influence on this decision.
Update: That has now happened. On Monday evening local time, it spread like wildfire that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also already confirmed.
This is made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major,