First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to official statements from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he found limited in LIV Golf. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the chance to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of the final contractual year is not surprising, though questions remain about payouts or part buyouts. Koepka is still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, a suspension significantly softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It’s beneficial for the PGA Tour to welcome back prominent LIV players. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
An initial suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—a perfect return timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and select the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for other high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The Player Advisory Board and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, alongside Rory McIlroy’s support, could allow Koepka to return without strict penalties.
Update: The news spread quickly Monday evening local time: Koepka’s PGA Tour membership was reinstated immediately. He is confirmed to play at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines, and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule created last Thursday that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major win, were decisive.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies that the special rule applies for major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unease within the LIV Golf League.
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