First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level sports confrontations, something he lacked at LIV. He originally joined LIV Golf in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the final contracted playing season comes as no surprise, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds regarding where Koepka will tee off next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies since his last LIV start, though lifetime bans have been softened. Why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the established tour, which holds the leverage? This key issue appears partly resolved. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022, seeking reinstatement among the players.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-notch fields—an ideal return opportunity suiting Koepka’s liking. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he will play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will be granted leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach. Alongside the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have influence over suspensions and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It has come to pass. 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 at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a newly introduced rule last Thursday allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour