First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level challenges, was less motivated during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV mainly in 2022 due to injury concerns about ending his career early, seeking a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the last contract year is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will appear next. He could play on the DP World Tour immediately—possibly with a penalty—or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, with lifetime bans softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. A prominent LIV returnee like Koepka benefits the established tours, so the question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership last Friday.
Any possible ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship end. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might need time but is likely to return, playing at least select big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might grant leniency, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This happened: On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players winners of the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and stir unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus program, and a five