First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the amicable agreement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, was only partially motivated by LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 believing his career might end due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contractual season raises questions. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as its new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. He is immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after the lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Rather than be vindictive, the PGA Tour seems to welcome prominent LIV returnees. This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if the PGA Tour implements its new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly. The investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely responsible for the new top league, would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably at least play the minimum, I would say, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Possibly, a five-time major winner could get leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach. The player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on the suspension and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news 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. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\