First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. The official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil describes the decision as amicable. Koepka, a competitive spirit who thrives in top-tier competition, had limited motivation playing for LIV. His 2022 switch to LIV was largely motivated by injury concerns and securing a substantial retirement fund. Skipping the last contracted season is thus not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or refunds. Koepka also remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rampant about where Koepka will play next. He could appear on the DP World Tour immediately—possibly paying a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after original lifetime bans were softened. It seems vengefulness is out, as prominent LIV returnees benefit the established PGA Tour, which holds more influence. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking reinstatement after not renewing in 2022.
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The potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and restricted fields—the perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a renowned name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum and major events he prefers. PGA Tour boards, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold input on suspensions. Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate reinstatement.
Update: Koepka is once again eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and is scheduled for the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is possible due to the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent PGA Championship victory in 2023.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years and will end on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes this is a one-time opportunity with no guarantees it will be available again. This development could influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern within LIV Golf