First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he only partially found in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement payout. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. He also remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete—whether on the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately presumably with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. Lifetime bans previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It makes little sense to be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour’s superior leverage. This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated in the player pool.
An expected suspension would end in August, the same month the 2026 season closes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—the perfect moment for Koepka to return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the top league would welcome another strong 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 probably at least play the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods—all hold say regarding suspensions—and Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is possible thanks to the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s elite achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key in this decision.
The PGA Tour statement explains this special rule applies to major champions and Players