First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives at the highest level, was less motivated during his LIV tenure. He originally joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury doubts about continuing his career and the opportunity to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary and if he will keep ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation builds about which tours Koepka will join next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were softened. Returning LIV players, especially stars, benefit the PGA Tour’s leverage. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
An expected suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship conclusion. Koepka could then play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing fits Koepka’s preferences and would appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast he believes Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least a minimum number of tournaments and focusing on major events. The PGA Board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say in suspensions, with Rory McIlroy advocating immediate reinstatement for Koepka.
Update: It happened as expected. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension, acknowledging Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour stated this special exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity, not setting precedent.
This development may impact Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith, while unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program funded by investors.