First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. After joining LIV in 2022 when he feared injury might end his career, Koepka likely views skipping his last contract season as unsurprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, despite previously imposed lifetime bans being reduced. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s approach softened, allowing a return for LIV players, benefiting the established tours. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which ended post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027’s restructured PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, ideal for his comeback. This return would also favor PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, who will support the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might need time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimum events and major tournaments he enjoys. The PGA’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors may waive suspensions, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has been confirmed that Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines this January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes this exemption applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with the deadline February 2. Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedent for future cases, likely creating tensions within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity payment, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program tied to investor contributions.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026.