First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a fierce competitor motivated by elite competition, arguably lacked that fire in LIV. His 2022 switch to LIV was mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his decision to forgo the last contracted season raises questions: did he have to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation focuses on which tour Koepka will join next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or could return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation. Previously lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been eased. Returning prominent LIV players suits the PGA Tour, currently the dominant circuit. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement among players.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields — an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star addition.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast “Subpar”: \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Additionally, the Player Directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspension matters and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening local time: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This became possible through a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations. The PGA Tour stated the provision applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and expires on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this as a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without precedent for future cases, a development likely to concern other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalties are moderate: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund, exclusion from the 2026