First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, has been only moderately motivated by LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 believing his career was nearing its end due to injury and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season thus raises questions: did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Will the 35-year-old continue as owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation swirls about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—likely with a penalty—or for the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a significant softening of the previously lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a star, benefits the stronger tour? This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after it was not extended beyond 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, select fields—the perfect timing for his comeback. This move would also please investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operator, happy to add another marquee player.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry to top-tier events, he’d play those as well.\” It is even possible that the PGA Tour—guided by the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competitions committee—might turn a blind eye to Koepka, taking Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let him play immediately. This view appears shared by a majority of fans, according to a non-scientific survey by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
Update: \”And maybe they’ll turn a blind eye for a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\”—that has come to pass. News spread rapidly that Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This was enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ policy allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour