First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, had limited motivation in LIV. Initially joining in 2022 mainly for financial reasons amid injury concerns about his career’s end, he now surprises no one by skipping the last contractual season, although questions remain about whether he paid a buyout or returns part of his guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, recently appointing Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance remains, despite former commissioner Jay Monahan significantly reducing lifetime bans. This key question seems partly answered. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach reveals Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and return to the player ranks after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if the PGA Tour adopts its compressed new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar,\” \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended letting Koepka play immediately.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This became possible via the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players reinstatement without suspension, considering Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions of the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, no guarantee this pathway will reopen.\” This likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026