First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level competition, was only moderately motivated while with LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 after injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his waiver of the final contract year is unsurprising though questions remain around buyout or salary repayment. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations arise on where Koepka will compete next — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. This suspension was notably reduced from a lifetime ban previously imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. This timing positions Koepka perfectly for a 2027 return under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited top player fields. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome Koepka as a high-profile addition.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum and focus on the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to those, he would also play them.\” Influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee could well waive parts of Koepka’s suspension given his five major titles.
Update: As it happened, Koepka was reinstated for PGA Tour play effective immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship, were pivotal.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour CEO, called it a one-time opportunity not setting precedent. This move creates questions for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unrest within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million