First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, it is not surprising he opts out of the last contracted season, though questions remain about payout arrangements and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife on which tours Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the softening of former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans. This critical question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after no renewal post-2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—the ideal timing for a comeback. Such a marquee name would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely managing this new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe just the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into top-level events, he’ll definitely play those.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be reinstated immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news broke rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed appearances at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
Authorized by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule established last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special provision applies only to major winners and Players champions within the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This will prompt thought among players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for defect