First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially experienced at LIV. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. At 35, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will play next. He could immediately be eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or attempt a return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. The lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
An expected 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 for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans to introduce a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring limited elite fields, an ideal time for his comeback. The investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome a high-profile name like Koepka’s.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka will likely return to the PGA Tour, maybe playing selectively in tournaments he prefers, especially the big ones. There is speculation that PGA Tour leadership and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, might be lenient on Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the World Golf Championships Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
The eligibility is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee this path will reopen.\” This development certainly concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and creates discomfort for the LIV Golf League.