First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Given Koepka’s competitive nature, which thrives on top-level competition, his limited motivation during LIV events raised questions. Initially, Koepka joined the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 anticipating an early retirement due to injury and sought a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping his final contractual year is unsurprising, though questions linger about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds regarding which tours Koepka will join next. Eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly subject to penalties, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension applies following his last LIV participation, after former commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifetime bans. Forgoing vindictiveness benefits the established tour welcoming LIV returnees, particularly notable figures. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. He would then be eligible for 2027 as PGA Tour introduces a streamlined schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—the ideal timing for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee player. Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might take some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play minimally, focusing on tournaments he enjoys and the majors. Qualifying or gaining invitations to high-profile events, he’d participate.\” With input from player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, exceptions might be granted to the five-time major champ.
Update: Indeed, Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines, with a confirmed spot at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without a suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023, his fifth major, was a decisive factor.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes it is a unique, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee for future similar cases. This likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV Golf is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour