First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something LIV offered only in limited measure. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure retirement payouts amid injury concerns. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. It also remains to be seen if the 35-year-old retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next tee off — the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, though former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been substantially softened. It makes strategic sense to welcome back prominent LIV returnees to strengthen the larger Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship finale August 27-30, 2026. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—an ideal comeback moment tailored to his preferences. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome such a marquee name. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s PGA return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, expecting him to play selective major events. The decision-makers including players’ directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee appear supportive, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: That is exactly what happened. Monday evening local time, news rapidly spread that Koepka is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour immediately and will debut at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the newly established \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies only for major and Players winners in the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely causes concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus