First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. Having moved to LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement benefits, it is unsurprising he skips the final contractual season, though questions arise about financial settlements and his ownership of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds Koepka’s next course appearances. He could play on the DP World Tour where immediate eligibility might require a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, with lifetime bans softened under former commissioner Jay Monahan. This key issue appears partly resolved. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactive his PGA Tour membership, ending his post-2022 hiatus.
An eventual ban expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. This timing fits perfectly with Koepka’s preferred 2027 return, aligned with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring top-tier fields. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome such a big name in their new top league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence on the “Subpar” podcast that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing a minimum but choosing significant tournaments he enjoys and qualifying for majors. With influence over suspensions resting with the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, plus Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka, an early return seems likely.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will debut at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
Made possible by a new rule called the ‘Returning Member Program,’ introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players re-entry onto the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s five-time major wins, particularly the 2023 PGA Championship, were key merits considered.
The PGA Tour states this exception applies only to major champions and Players winners from the last three years and ends February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a one-time, clearly defined chance without precedent for future cases. This likely causes concern in LIV Golf and among players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour capital participation programs tied to investor funds.