First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives on the highest-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022, fearing injury might end his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about financial terms. Is he still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, captained now by Talor Gooch?
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on—DP World Tour granting immediate eligibility, likely with penalties, or PGA Tour where a one-year suspension from LIV participation looms. Former lifetime bans from Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, seeking reinstatement after not renewing post-2022.
The potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s close at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited premium fields—ideal timing for a return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a prominent name. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big events he enjoys. If he can qualify or get invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, PGA—led by Tiger Woods and player directors, per Rory McIlroy’s endorsement—may overlook the suspension for Koepka due to his major successes.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible and confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WGC Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This follows a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule allowing select LIV players return without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting merit—especially his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies only to major winners and Players champions from the last three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a unique opportunity without precedent for the future, creating uncertainty for other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour’s equity program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.