First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a friendly agreement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, had limited motivation playing for LIV. He originally switched in 2022 due to injury concerns nearing career end, seeking a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he bought out his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed salary, and if he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after LIV involvement, though life bans have been softened. Reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveal Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin its player roster.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—an ideal KOepka re-entry point. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome this high-profile return. Jon Rahm recently commented on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka may take time but is expected to return, likely playing his preferred major events. The PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, alongside board and player directors, might overlook the suspension as Rory McIlroy has urged immediate reinstatement.
Update: It has happened. 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 is already confirmed.
The new \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without a suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win—the fifth major—were considered.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may cause concern among players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as well as LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program linked to investor contributions in PGA Tour Enterprises.