First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated that this was a mutual agreement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something that was somewhat limited during his LIV stint. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a pension fund. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial paybacks. The 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—possibly on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps facing a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the previously imposed lifetime bans were significantly softened. The pivotal question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, parallel with the end of the 2026 season including the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another high-profile name.
Jon Rahm expressed optimism, stating on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might take time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least minimum events and focus on major tournaments he prefers. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, might also ease Koepka’s suspension.
Update: It happened as expected. News spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January and Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this opportunity is unique and non-precedent setting. This might influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
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