First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, was less motivated on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened to end his career, and he sought solid retirement funds. Thus, giving up the last contractual playing year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or wage returns. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rampant about where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. Why be vengeful when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the more powerful established tours? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any potential suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 PGA Tour season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, who is known to favor high-profile tournaments. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely behind this new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or can enter high-profile events, he will play those as well.’ The PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, along with the board and player directors, likely have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: It has happened: Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible thanks to the newly created ‘Returning Member Program,’ which permits select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent accomplishments, including the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major