First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the competitive circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor motivated by high-level tournaments, had limited appeal at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 largely for financial security amid injury concerns. Questions remain about his contract buyout and ownership status of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will play on next. He could be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. However, the PGA Tour has softened lifetime bans previously imposed. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing it post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, aligned with the PGA Tour’s restructured schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields — an ideal reentry timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm during the ‘Subpar’ podcast. Rahm expects Koepka to play selected major tournaments he enjoys. There’s speculation that the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee could grant leniency, with Rory McIlroy publicly supporting Koepka’s quick return.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were recognized.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and ends February 2. \”This is a unique, clearly defined opportunity and not precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may worry LIV Golf and impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity funds and exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and five years from PGA Tour equity programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026