First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back at it, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was only moderately motivated in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. This explains why he gave up his final contracted season, although questions remain about possible payouts or buyouts. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rampant about which tour Koepka will next compete on. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, reduced from a previous lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, seeking readmission to the playing field.
An expected suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka well and would appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors behind the new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum to start, focusing on the majors and tournaments he enjoys. If he qualifies for more high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s support, might waive some suspension terms for the five-time major winner.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special rule covers major winners and Players champions from the past three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development could impact Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and create tension in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining