First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement, stated LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, has been less motivated by LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing an injury-forced career end and seeking a solid retirement payout. Thus, skipping the last contract-mandated season isn’t surprising though questions remain regarding possible buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next tour—immediate eligibility on the DP World Tour possibly with a penalty, or a return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, reduced from a lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday, which was not extended post-2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka could compete from 2027 on under the PGA Tour’s new calendar featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome adding another star.
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 play at least the minimum – the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” It remains to be seen if PGA Tour officials and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee will show leniency for the five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That happened quickly. On Monday evening, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly established \”Returning Member Program\” from last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key in this decision.
PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said this is a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence, which may spark thoughts among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing discomfort within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV Golf is