First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a mutual and friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he only somewhat experienced at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and aiming to secure a solid retirement fund, his decision to skip the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next – the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, given the softened life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when any prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour wielding the bigger leverage? This critical question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022 and to rejoin the playing field.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields – ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently told 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 the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter top events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say in suspension matters and seem likely to heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play right away.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He will also participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
The enabling factor is a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key to this decision.
The PGA Tour noted this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent