First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, was less motivated playing LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds. Questions remain about his exit—did he pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed salary? He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will next compete. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation. However, suspensions have been significantly relaxed, and returning LIV players are welcomed back, which benefits the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka recently applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after his 2022 departure.
Any suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s conclusion. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under a revised PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated 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 and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” There’s talk that the PGA Tour competition committee, headed by Tiger Woods and including player directors, might waive Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. News spread on Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sports merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were instrumental in this decision.
The PGA Tour says this special provision applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity\” that does not set precedent. Once the window closes, no guarantee this path will reopen.
This will surely concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and create unease in LIV Golf.