First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this amicable agreement, though questions linger about his future. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level contests, found limited motivation during his time in LIV Golf. After joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season is not surprising, raising questions about possible buyouts or paybacks. Meanwhile, Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing fields: DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after prior lifetime bans were softened. Returning to the PGA Tour suits both Koepka and the tour’s interests. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be fully eligible in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect moment for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but will return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing selective, big events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold say on suspensions and reportedly align with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka without delay.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news 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 in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” established the previous Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win—his fifth major—were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major champions and Players Championship winners within the last three years. The window closes February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. The move may influence other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for