First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially moved to LIV in 2022 due to injury fears and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions about payouts and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about which tours Koepka will play on next: DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were softened. He reportedly applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday to rejoin the player roster, per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited strong fields—the perfect return timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension terms, with Rory McIlroy advocating for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened as predicted. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing certain LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the rule applies to major and Players’ winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may cause concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is moderate: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program.