First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, was less motivated in LIV, originally joining in 2022 mainly to secure his retirement finances after injury concerns. Questions linger whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed paycheck, and if he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would have immediate eligibility likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. After lifetime bans were softened, Koepka reportedly applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership, aiming for reinstatement, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 as the tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events and limited fields, seen as ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome his comeback.
Jon Rahm recently told the podcast Subpar that Koepka might need time but is expected back on PGA Tour, likely playing selected major and favorite events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — following Rory McIlroy’s suggestion — may waive suspension for the five-time major winner.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour with confirmed appearances at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines late January, and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years, expires February 2, and is a one-time opportunity with no guarantee for the future, as stated by CEO Brian Rolapp. This development likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith and causes unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV remains mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charitable causes, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five-year ineligibility for PGA Tour’s equity program supporting its enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed