First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, and Charley Hull will soon launch a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of 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. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments, which LIV had limitedly provided. In 2022, he switched mainly due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. His forfeiture of the last contractual season raises questions: did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about which tour Koepka will join next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension from his last LIV event; however, lifelong bans under former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially reduced. Returning stars like Koepka benefit the PGA Tour, which dominates globally. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach recently reported Koepka formally filed to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for 2023 onward.
The suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major star.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum and focus on the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to major events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, as well as fan sentiment, lean toward allowing Koepka back, echoing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately. According to \”Bunkered\” magazine’s informal poll, fans largely agree.
Update: As predicted, Koepka was reinstated with immediate effect and will play at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This was made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without a suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026