First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, seemed only moderately motivated at LIV events. He joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injuries potentially ending his career and the opportunity to secure a significant pension fund. This context explains his decision to skip the last contractual season, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ongoing ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will appear on next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, likely facing a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been imposed since his last LIV event, though lifetime bans handed down by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Rather than being vindictive, the PGA Tour seems ready to welcome back prominent LIV returnees. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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 the 2027 season, which features a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—a perfect return window for Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might need some time but expects him to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selectively, including major events he favors. The decision on suspensions involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy reportedly endorsing Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This became possible through the new ‘Returning Member Program,’ established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship victory—the fifth major—were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said this is a one-time, clearly