First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more time for family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated that this was a friendly agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he only partially experienced at LIV. Koepka switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, so missing the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial arrangements and his ongoing ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely subject to a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance was softened from a lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might need some time but expects him to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selected big tournaments that suit him. The PGA Tour decision makers, including Tiger Woods’ competition committee and player directors, seem inclined to allow his comeback following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: On Monday evening local time, it was widely reported that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open appearance also confirmed. This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, have been recognized.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years and expires on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity with no guarantees for the future. This could impact other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause some unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is relatively mild: a $5 million donation