First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly as a career and financial decision due to injuries. Questions remain if he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed pay and if he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
There is speculation about which tours Koepka will play on next — DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after life bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). This would allow Koepka to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, strong fields — perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a strong name addition.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least minimum events, particularly ones he likes and the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” The player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: Exactly as predicted, news spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with confirmed participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule created recently allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major was a key merit considered.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity\” and not a precedent. This likely impacts Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing concern within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing over to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund, exclusion from the 202