First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual decision, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, which he lacked somewhat at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the last contracted season raises questions about buyouts or refunds of guaranteed pay. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, now softened from lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why seek revenge when allowing a prominent LIV returnee serves the PGA Tour well? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, aiming to regain full playing status.
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His suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — a perfect comeback opportunity. Investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome his star power.
Jon Rahm recently noted on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum, focusing on favorite major events. If he qualifies for other premium tournaments, he’ll play those too.’ With input from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka seems likely.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and is set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently established ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s outstanding merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule covers major and Players winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a unique opportunity, not a precedent.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is moderate: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx