First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a strong retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing venues—whether on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (likely paying a penalty), or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year ban after his last LIV appearance, following the easing of previous lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones, serve the PGA Tour’s interests? This question seems halfway answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership unrenewed since 2022.
Any ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season end at the Tour Championship, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—ideal timing for a return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum and the big events he enjoys. If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors might show leniency for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win—his fifth major—were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years and ends February 2. \”This is a one-time clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This move will concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unrest in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour