First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who is highly motivated by top-level competition, something LIV didn’t fully provide. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury had him fearing the end of his career and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or repayment. Koepka, 35, remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now appointed captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete — on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely against a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation, after previously imposed lifetime bans were significantly softened. This key question might be partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his membership with the PGA Tour and rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields — an ideal comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, who are backing the new top league, would surely welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might initially play a limited schedule focused on the majors and preferred events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods reportedly have influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy endorsing Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, set to compete this January’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
Made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with the deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp describes it as a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence.
Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred for five years from the Tour’s equity participation program, which supports PGA Tour Enterprises investors.