First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives during high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. Originally, he switched to LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he skipped his final contractual season, though questions remain regarding possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation continues about which tours Koepka will join next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after prior life bans were softened. Why retaliate when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s upcoming schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—perfect timing for a comeback. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar’. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for marquee events, he’ll play those too.\” The player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, which hold sway over suspensions, might ease Koepka’s return as recommended by Rory McIlroy.
Update: Indeed, Koepka’s immediate reinstatement was announced Monday evening local time with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” introduced the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were key.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies only to major and Players champions from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This development will concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unsettle the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties for LIV participation are mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour equity programs linked to investor