First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager to compete, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable decision was announced officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level sports challenges, had limited motivation with LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a steady retirement income. His opting out of the final contract year raises questions about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event following softened lifetime bans. Notably, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, rejoining the player pool.
Any suspension would end by August, aligning with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect return opportunity. This move would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the majors and tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, which control suspensions, might be lenient towards the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: Koepka is now eligible to play immediately on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship, were key to this exemption.
The PGA Tour states that this special rule applies only to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires on February 2. Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour CEO, calls it a one-time opportunity without future precedent, a development that may unsettle Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and LIV Golf League as well.
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