First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for another run, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain associated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sports battles, which he seldom found in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the opportunity for a solid retirement fund. Given that, his decision to forgo his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contractual buyouts or refunds. Despite this, he remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka might next compete on. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following reductions in previously imposed lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. The rationale of the PGA Tour not being vengeful toward returning LIV players benefits both sides. This critical question seems partially answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had been inactive since 2022, seeking readmission to the player ranks.
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. He would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—a perfect comeback timing that suits Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome a marquee name like Koepka for the new top league.
“He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the “Subpar” podcast. “He will probably play at least the minimum events, and why not the big ones he likes. If he qualifies for or is invited to elite tournaments, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner — vote rights on suspensions rest with the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately, a stance supported by many fans, according to a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
Update: “And maybe the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner” — just so it happened