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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV Golf in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. Koepka remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations arise about where Koepka will next play: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Former lifetime bans from Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. The key question seems partially answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top league and value his presence.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to top tournaments, he’d play those too.\” There might be leniency given Koepka is a five-time major winner, as the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee (who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately) have influence over suspensions.
Update: It has happened as expected. Monday evening local time saw widespread news 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. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a recent policy called the \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major title.
The PGA Tour states this exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners in the past three years, with a deadline of