First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives under the highest level of competitive pressure, something he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career, seeking to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, foregoing the final season of his contract is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay. It also remains to be seen if the 35-year-old stays owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation now centers on where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would presumably grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans significantly. Why hold grudges when any returning LIV player, especially a star like Koepka, is welcomed by the long-dominant Tour? This question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player pool.
An eventual suspension ends in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields—the perfect timing for his comeback. This return would also please investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely organizer of the new top-tier league, who would welcome a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm in a ‘Subpar’ podcast interview. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into major events, he’ll play those too.\” Moreover, Koepka may be granted leniency on his suspension by the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. This view is shared by a majority of fans, according to a non-representative poll by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
Update: The speculation proved true. It spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.