Membership Renewed, No Suspension: Koepka Immediately Returns to PGA Tour

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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. The decision was reportedly amicable, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He switched to the Saudi-funded league in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season is thus not surprising, though questions remain about contractual buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.

Speculation swirls about which tour Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, while the PGA Tour has him serving a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were eased. The PGA Tour’s decision favors reintegrating prominent LIV returnees who strengthen their circuit. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022.

An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new format, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—an ideal comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also benefit from adding such a marquee player.

\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least a minimum, focusing on big tournaments he enjoys. If he qualifies or is invited to major events, he’ll surely play those.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee also have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return.

Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again 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 in Arizona.

This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule implemented last Thursday that allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.

The PGA Tour stated this exception applies to major and Players champions from the past three years, with the deadline on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not precedent-setting. This likely causes concern for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unease within LIV Golf.