First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he reportedly lacked in LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure significant retirement funds, his decision not to play the last contract year is understandable though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunds. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete: DP World Tour where he could play immediately—likely with penalties—or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after LIV appearances, since the lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 for a new PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s competitive nature and would please investors of PGA Tour Enterprises who are backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will likely play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or get invited to bigger events, he will play those too.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports immediate reinstatement, have influence over suspension decisions.
Update: The news spread rapidly on Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible through a new regulation called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s notable sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners in the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. This development might concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program associated with investors in