First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Given this, his opting out of the last contractual season in the LIV League raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed earnings? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the established PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—a perfect moment for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum, choosing tournaments he likes, especially the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or can enter them, he’d play those as well.\” It is also possible that the PGA Tour might overlook the suspension for a five-time major winner—approval involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, all leaning towards allowing Koepka’s return in line with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. Additionally, a \”Bunkered\” magazine fan survey showed a majority favoring Koepka’s return.
Update: The speculation became reality: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This was enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin