First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure a solid retirement fund due to injury concerns. His choice to skip the final contracted season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch?
Speculation continues on where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Reconciliation with the PGA Tour seems underway. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner gets some leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – just like that, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This became possible through a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without serving a suspension.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
The suspension would have expired in August, the same month the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka will be eligible to play in 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences perfectly and is likely welcomed by investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, the entity behind the new top league, who value such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, focusing on big events he likes. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have input on suspension matters. Rory McIlroy supports allowing Koepka to play immediately, a view shared by a majority of fans according to a non-representative ‘Bunkered’ magazine poll.
Other Golf Highlights: Singh Returns, DeChambeau Confirms LIV 2026, & More
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026, with his Crushers team intact. Vijay