First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level tournaments, which he lacked at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans? The PGA Tour would benefit from his return. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership which expired after 2022.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (Aug 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour rolls out a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields—the perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might take some time but will return, likely playing a minimum number of events, including the majors he prefers. The PGA Tour leadership, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee are said to be favorable, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is possible due to the ‘Returning Member Program’ created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated the rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases’, said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This move may cause concern at LIV Golf and among players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka must donate five million dollars to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and for five years