First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but requires more family time. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on the highest level contests, something LIV provided only to a limited degree. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury uncertainties and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is less surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial paybacks. The 35-year-old remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife concerning Koepka’s future fairways—DP World Tour where immediate eligibility might require a penalty, or PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year ban from his last LIV appearance after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee ultimately benefits the longer-handling tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022, to rejoin as a player.
The potential ban would expire in August. Although that coincides with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30), Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields — the perfect re-entry timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would appreciate another marquee name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm on the “Subpar” podcast. “He’ll probably play at least the minimum, why not his favorite, major events. Qualifying for or entering those high-profile events, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook his ban—decisions involve the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with Phoenix Open participation confirmed. This is enabled by the “Returning Member Program” established last Thursday, letting select LIV players rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s recent sports merits, including 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were key.
PGA Tour’s statement confirms this special rule applies only to major and Players winners in the last three years, with a February 2 deadline. CEO Brian Rolapp calls this a one-time clearly defined opportunity without precedent or guarantee for future cases, causing concern among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam