First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a competitor who thrives in top-level sporting battles, showed limited motivation in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contract year raises questions about buyout terms or partial repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next. DP World Tour grants immediate playing rights, possibly with penalties, while PGA Tour imposes a one-year suspension after LIV appearances. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been softened. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the established tours. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension ends in August, aligning with the 2026 Tour Championship conclusion. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields—perfect for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome this high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the “Subpar” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If qualified or invited, he’d play those too.\” The decision on suspensions involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is possible thanks to the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely causes concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unease within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises equity