First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a sizable pension fund.
There is speculation about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He is eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after the previous lifetime bans were eased. 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 end in August, coinciding with the season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play the minimum initially, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies for higher profile tournaments, he will compete in those as well.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and a Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension conditions, reportedly supporting Koepka’s return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening local time: Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule established last Thursday letting select LIV players rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s significant sporting merit, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, was considered.
The PGA Tour states this special exemption applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development raises questions for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and concerns within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is lenient: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.