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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives at the highest level of competition, motivation that was somewhat limited on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayments, while he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife on which tour Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he is currently serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. This key issue seems partly resolved: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension ends in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship finale of the 2026 season, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 once the PGA Tour launches its nearly two dozen $20 million event schedule with limited fields—ideal timing for re-entry. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently during the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour could overlook his suspension given his distinguished major wins, with Tiger Woods-led competition committees and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s immediate return, having influence.
Update: It has now happened: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. He is also scheduled for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. For Koepka, his recent PGA Championship win in 2023 as a fifth major was a key factor.
The PGA Tour stated the rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely prompts reflection from Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, while causing concern in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for defecting to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour’s charity fund, exclusion from