First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found somewhat limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 largely because injuries threatened to end his career, and he sought a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season isn’t surprising, though unanswered questions remain regarding buyouts or paybacks. He remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
The big question: where will Koepka play next? The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, while the PGA Tour might impose a one-year suspension due to his last LIV participation. However, recent policy relaxations by former commissioner Jay Monahan now enable LIV returnees to rejoin the PGA Tour more easily. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited star fields. This timing aligns with Koepka’s preferences and would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors. Jon Rahm recently commented on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will likely return to the PGA Tour, playing selectively in favored majors and top events, potentially with leniency granted by the PGA competition committee led by Tiger Woods, supported by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again.
Update: The news broke Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January, with the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale already confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting accomplishments, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this special rule applies to major and Players winners over the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. This development will surely impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith as well as LIV Golf League dynamics.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from PGA Tour capital participation programs tied to investor funds.