First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh playing again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, something he lacked somewhat at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns that threatened his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed fee. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were relaxed? There is little reason for grudges as every LIV returnee plays into the hands of the better-resourced established tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka’s style perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return to the PGA Tour, stating he would likely play at least the minimum and the bigger events he enjoys. The players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, might waive some restrictions for the five-time major winner.
Update: It happened as expected. Late Monday local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly established \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the last three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time clearly defined opportunity, not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development likely causes concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and puts pressure on LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty