First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka announced he will not participate in the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he has lacked during his LIV tenure. Initially switching in 2022 due to injury concerns and a desire for a substantial retirement fund, it is unsurprising he opts out of the last contracted season, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership in LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound regarding which tours Koepka will join next. He could be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, a punishment softened from former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s initial lifetime ban. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another high-profile player.
Jon Rahm recently predicted on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play them.’ With player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee involved, and Rory McIlroy supporting Koepka’s immediate return, there is strong backing for this move.
Update: It happened exactly as anticipated. On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
An exemption called the ‘Returning Member Program,’ introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent major achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were crucial in this decision.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this special rule applies only to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending on February 2. This unique chance is not a precedent for future cases. The decision is likely unsettling for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, as