First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. The waiver of his final contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about payout terms and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. He would be eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, despite lifetime bans having been softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season. He would be eligible for the 2027 season which has a restructured schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors. Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to the top events, he’d play those too.\” There is talk that a five-time major winner might get some leniency regarding suspension from both the board and the player directors, including Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately allow Koepka back.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated and eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately. He will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January and participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This became possible through the ‘Returning Member Program,’ a new rule enacted last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s outstanding recent achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship major win, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for