First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV had limited success providing. In 2022, he mainly moved to LIV due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His opting out of the final contract year raises questions—was there a buyout, or partial salary repayment? Is he still an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour where he could immediately compete, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, with lifetime bans softened? Strategically, allowing a prominent LIV returnee is beneficial to the stronger PGA Tour, a question now partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would end in August. While the 2026 season concludes then, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, star-studded fields—a perfect comeback timing fitting Koepka’s preferences and pleasing PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
\”He may need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” PGA Tour leadership, including Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, may ease Koepka’s suspension, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: The news has spread fast: Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour states this special measure applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This may impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and concern LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus