First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly an amicable agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found somewhat lacking in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, seeking financial security for retirement. Thus, opting out of the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee, and whether he remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is now rife regarding where Koepka will compete next: on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, with previous lifetime bans relaxed. The PGA Tour’s stance seems partly clear following ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach’s information that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, strong fields—the perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently opined on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka will likely return to the PGA Tour, probably playing at least the minimum and participating in the tournaments he enjoys, especially the big events. The PGA CEO, board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee—who hold influence over suspension matters—may well heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened as anticipated: 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 in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
An exemption called the \”Returning Member Program,\” established last Thursday, permits selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s case considered his sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies the special rule applies for major champions and Players winners of 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 development may influence Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and create unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for his LIV defection is mild: