First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level sporting challenges, something he experienced only limitedly at LIV. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns, seeking financial security for retirement. Thus, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will play on next. DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were softened. This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended past 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the new highly competitive PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with select fields—the perfect timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another major star.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension terms, reportedly ready to give Koepka a pass following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” initiated last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were decisive.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies only to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not precedent for future cases,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This may cause concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith among others in LIV Golf. Koepka’s penalty is a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital program.