First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, has been less motivated at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is no surprise, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will next appear on. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty fee, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following significantly eased lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. However, it seems the PGA Tour is welcoming prominent LIV returnees who strengthen the tour’s leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking re-entry to the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s Tour Championship finishing August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligned with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields — an ideal comeback timing for Koepka. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely backing the new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed in the podcast \”Subpar\” his confidence in Koepka’s eventual PGA Tour return, expecting him to at least play minimum events, especially the majors he favors. The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspension rulings, with Rory McIlroy supporting Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete again on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” a special rule allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this exemption applies to major and Players champions within the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique and defined opportunity without precedent for future cases. This move likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unsettles the LIV Golf League.