First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in sporting challenges at the highest level. This motivation was somewhat limited during his LIV time. He switched in 2022 primarily because injuries made him consider ending his career soon and wanted to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is understandable, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant softening of life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the long-dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted as a player.
Any suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027, when the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields begins. The perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely organizers of the new top league, would surely welcome another star name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gains entry, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will give some leeway — following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately. This view is supported by most fans, according to a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps they gave the five-time major winner a break in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — just so it happened. News quickly spread 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 in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This became possible through a newly introduced rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA