First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund, so skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though some questions remain about financial settlements and whether he remains an owner of the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, softened from the previous lifetime bans. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership lost after 2022 and to be reinstated as a player.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with exclusive fields, the perfect timing for his preferred comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast, saying Koepka \”might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour.\” He expects Koepka to at least play the minimum events and the big tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour governance, including player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, likely would waive suspensions for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened exactly as predicted. On 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. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s significant sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered in his case.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent. This development could influence other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and challenge LIV Golf League stability.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation