First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement payout. Therefore, skipping his last contractual playing season is unsurprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or repay guaranteed money. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, captain Talor Gooch is newly appointed.
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will play next. DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty. PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, softened from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It benefits the PGA Tour to welcome 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 end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule with limited highly competitive events, ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another marquee name.
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 likely at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If qualifying or invited, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee could grant leniency for the five-time major winner, responding to Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate play.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Also confirmed is his participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona.
This became possible through a \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship victory was a key merit considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, no guarantee it reopens.\” The news is significant for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unsettling for LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is modest: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and exclusion from PGA Tour Enterprises’ ownership program for five years.