First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expectedly, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the LIV Golf League’s 2026 season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected with the competing circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitive athlete who thrives in high-level competition, found less motivation in LIV. Having switched in 2022 under injury concerns hoping to secure his retirement finances, it is no surprise he skips the contractually obligated final season, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out the contract or return part of his guaranteed fees? Does he remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about which tour Koepka will next compete on. While he could immediately play on the DP World Tour—likely with a penalty—his return to the PGA Tour was complicated by a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after prior lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. It makes little sense to be vindictive, as every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, strengthens the PGA Tour, which holds more leverage. This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking re-entry into the playing field.
Any potential ban would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new streamlined schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would please PGA Tour Enterprises investors who would welcome a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies for or is invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Moreover, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. A majority of fans also appear to agree, as found in a non-representative poll by Bunkered magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps they are lenient with a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\”—exactly that happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This is enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.