First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV Golf. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision not to play his final contractual year is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation now surrounds which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, likely with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after the prior lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more established tour? This question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Update: The news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new regulation called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created recently to allow selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, his fifth major. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity valid until February 2 and sets no precedent. Koepka must donate five million dollars to PGA Tour charity and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and PGA Tour Enterprises equity program for five years.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
The potential suspension would have expired in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. However, with the PGA Tour introducing a new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring limited, stronger fields in 2027, this timing suits Koepka’s preferred comeback. A high-profile name like his would also please PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors who support the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies for or is invited to elite tournaments, he would play those too.\” The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return, might ease restrictions