First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but requires more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, found limited motivation in LIV Golf. He initially joined in 2022 due to injury worries about his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last contractual season leaves questions about buyouts or salary repayments, and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will play on next. He might join the DP World Tour immediately—possibly with a penalty—or attempt a return to the PGA Tour after serving a one-year suspension related to his LIV participation. The lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased. This approach benefits the PGA Tour, as each LIV returnee strengthens their roster. Sources, including ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, report that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership that expired in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly and would also please investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the leading entity in the new top league, who welcome such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the podcast \”Subpar\” that he believes Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, at least playing minimum required events and his preferred majors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, could waive suspension for the five-time major champion.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour. He will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and will also compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by a newly created rule last Thursday, the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour noted this special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. This move likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and creates unease at LIV Golf League.
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