First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, and 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 plans to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor known for his motivation in high-level contests, found limited satisfaction on LIV. He had originally joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns and a desire to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or repayment of guaranteed salary. Koepka also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation now revolves around which tour Koepka will join next. On the DP World Tour, immediate eligibility awaits—possibly with a penalty. On the PGA Tour, he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour seemingly welcomes returning LIV players, especially star names like Koepka, to strengthen its roster. Reportedly, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership suspended after 2022 and regain full playing privileges.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible in 2027 as the PGA Tour plans a new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—the perfect timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the foundation of this elite league, would surely appreciate adding Koepka to their star lineup.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka may need some time but expects his return to the PGA Tour. Rahm suggested Koepka could start by playing minimal events and select the big tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods and influenced by player directors including Rory McIlroy, may grant leniency to the five-time major winner, following McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour. He will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and is confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was made possible by the recently established \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win (his fifth major), were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes it is a one-time exceptional opportunity, not a precedent for future cases. This development might influence