First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level sporting challenges, found limited motivation at LIV. He mainly joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and seeking a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or paybacks. At 35, he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations flourish on which tours Koepka will next appear. He is immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly against a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event might apply. However, previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were eased, and welcoming LIV returnees could benefit the established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields – perfect timing for a comeback suiting Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top league, would welcome another high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast ‘Subpar,’ \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify or get invites to top events, he will play those too.\” The player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence on the suspension and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: Just as predicted, news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were decisive.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, ending February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity, not a precedent. This may cause concern among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith, and tension in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for LIV departure is mild: a $5 million donation