First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the final contractual season is thus not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyout or payback of guaranteed money. Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will soon play on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility—possibly with a penalty—while the PGA Tour would require serving a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, with previous lifetime bans softened considerably. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ roster after not renewing in 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields. A perfect comeback timing, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a prominent name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably his favorite big events, and if he qualifies or is invited to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold suspension authority and reportedly favor Koepka’s return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” established recently, permits select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, especially recognizing Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions of the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this unique opportunity sets no precedent for future cases. This development may impact other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is moderate: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour’s equity program