First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who is highly motivated during top-level competition, which he only partly found at LIV. He switched mainly in 2022 because of injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or refunds. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations are rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, possibly with penalties, or return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following the easing of previous lifetime bans. This question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate and reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka could then compete in 2027 under the PGA’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with smaller, elite fields. This is a perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style and appealing for investors at PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play a minimum, choosing the big tournaments he likes, and if he qualifies, he’ll play those.\” It’s possible PGA Tour authorities might be lenient with a five-time major winner like Koepka, especially following recommendations by Rory McIlroy.
Update: It happened as expected. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on 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 in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
The new ‘Returning Member Program’ launched Thursday allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s case took into account his recent achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
According to PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will open again.\” This development might concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity funds, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA