First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, set to begin on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This mutual agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch?
Speculation is rife on where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player ranks.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour plans to introduce a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite, limited fields—a perfect reentry point suiting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would certainly welcome a big name like him in the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he enjoys, especially the majors. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he would play those too.\” There are indications that the PGA Tour, including the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may overlook the suspension for a five-time major winner, heeding Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again. This sentiment is also reflected by the majority of fans in a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: As predicted, Koepka has been reinstated to the PGA Tour immediately and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to