First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets motivated at the highest levels of competition, something that was limited at LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly to secure financial stability for his retirement due to injury concerns. Therefore, his decision to forgo the final contract year is understandable, although questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of the guaranteed payment. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s future playing venues. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension applies after his last LIV event, although lifetime suspensions were reduced. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said in the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, reportedly inclined to follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
Made possible by the new ‘Returning Member Program’ rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions of the last three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this opportunity is unique and not precedent-setting. This will cause reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unease at LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for LIV crossing is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and five-year exclusion from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program