First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil announced that the departure was by mutual agreement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely found at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next—DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour where he faces a 1-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans were softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
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The potential suspension expires in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship ending the 2026 season. He would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule concentrated on around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—perfect timing for a comeback. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises likely welcome another big name. Jon Rahm recently remarked in the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka may take time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, playing at least select big tournaments. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s support, could waive the suspension for a five-time major champion.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also play the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were recognized.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time, defined opportunity expiring February 2, not setting a precedent. This development impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease in LIV.
Koepka’s penalties for crossing to LIV are mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and a five-year exclusion from the PGA Tour capital equity program.