First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, wasn’t fully motivated at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure financial stability for retirement. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out or repay parts of his guaranteed money and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is mounting about where Koepka will appear next—on the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August 2026. Although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27–30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new calendar featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would likely appeal to investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invites to top events, he’ll play those too.’ The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be reinstated immediately.
Update: This came true. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He has also confirmed participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This became possible through the ‘Returning Member Program’ established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. ‘This is a one-time clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,’ said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This will likely concern players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease at LIV Golf League.
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