First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known as a highly competitive athlete who thrives on top-level contests, was less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly for financial security as injury doubts clouded his career. His opting out of the final contract year raises questions about possible buyouts or repayments. Despite this, he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, since previous lifetime bans have been softened. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the more dominant tours? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka could be fully eligible in 2027 for the PGA Tour’s compressed, high-stakes schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely sponsors of the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. Probably playing at least the minimum, and the tournaments he likes — the big ones. If he qualifies for top events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspension matters and may ease Koepka’s return following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate reinstatement.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program,’ which allows selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship victory, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the last three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a unique opportunity and does not set a precedent for the future. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and concern for LIV