First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level sports challenges, something the LIV circuit provided less of. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka, 35, remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will next compete on: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately likely with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was imposed after his last LIV appearance, now softened from previous lifetime bans. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
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The possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season ending at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour rolls out a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing a minimum and selected majors he likes. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately, with Tiger Woods leading the competition committee that influences suspension decisions.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines with participation confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was made possible through the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship major victory. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated that this opportunity is a one-time, clearly defined chance, ending February 2, not setting precedent for others. This decision may influence other LIV players and LIV Golf’s dynamics.
Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity funds and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation program