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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, had limited motivation in LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury uncertainties near the end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial matters and his future ownership role of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife regarding which tours Koepka will compete in next. He could join the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. However, previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced by the former commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour recently introduced a ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to return without suspension. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, becoming eligible to play again.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This is considered the perfect timing for his comeback and would be a welcome addition for investors at PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently stated in the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka likely needs some time but will return to the PGA Tour, probably playing selectively in his favorite and major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods may show leniency with Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him promptly.
Update: It happened just as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” established the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s competitive achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated that the special rule applies to major and Players tournament winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in the LIV Golf League