First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion will remain associated with the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives under high-level competition, had a limited passion for LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement fund, his choice to skip the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or guarantees. He is still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Much speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, perhaps with a penalty. The PGA Tour had suspended him for one year following his last LIV appearance, but life bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. This change benefits returning LIV players and the PGA Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile return.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast he believes Koepka will return to the PGA Tour gradually, playing at least major tournaments he enjoys. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence on suspension matters, reportedly inclined to follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule established last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key in this decision.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time defined opportunity without precedent for future cases. This move may influence others like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and creates tension within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining