First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed this amicable agreement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives under top-level competition, had limited motivation at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contract year prompts questions: Did he buy out or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible (likely paying a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV participation. Previously harsh lifetime bans set by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the stronger PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields — a perfect comeback fit to his liking. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, who likely back the new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
Even Jon Rahm recently expressed on the “Subpar” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’d probably play the minimum and select his favorite big events. If he qualifies or is invited, he will play those also.\” With input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — who support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately — the door seems open.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
Enabled by a new “Returning Member Program” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship fifth major, were recognized.
The PGA Tour stated this exception applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with the deadline February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting precedent, with no guarantee of future availability. This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s