First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement declared by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, given Koepka’s competitive nature, his motivation at LIV was limited. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns late in his career and seeking a solid retirement fund. Skipping the final contracted season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain an owner of LIV’s Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he is likely immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after formerly imposed lifetime bans were significantly softened. It appears this question is partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields — an ideal comeback moment suiting Koepka’s style and appealing to PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, likely the backers of this top league.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say on suspensions and reportedly endorse Rory McIlroy’s recommendation allowing Koepka immediate play.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were acknowledged, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement confirms the exemption applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years, ending February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence. This surely gives pause to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease in the LIV Golf League.
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