First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also making a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or returning parts of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows on which tour Koepka will join next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty fee. Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after prior life bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee favors the PGA Tour, already holding the upper hand? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to rejoin the players’ ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if PGA Tour implements its new schedule with approximately two dozen $20-million tournaments having limited elite fields—the perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum events and probably the big tournaments he enjoys. If he qualifies or is invited to bigger events, he’ll play those.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will grant some leniency for the five-time major winner—decisions involve the board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately.
Update: It’s official: on Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this exception applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described it as a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without precedent for future cases. Once closed, no guarantee this option will return. This development may concern