First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is ready to compete again, and Charley Hull will soon launch her YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and has struggled to find motivation in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. The decision to skip his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial settlements and his ownership in the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. He could return to the DP World Tour immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or seek reinstatement on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. The PGA Tour’s lifetime bans were significantly softened, and it makes sense to welcome back prominent LIV returnees. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen 20-million-dollar events with limited elite fields—ideal for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented 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 tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those as well.\” There might even be some leniency granted to the five-time major winner, considering input from players’ directors and the tournament committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Koepka’s return. Rory McIlroy also recommended immediate reinstatement.
Update: It has now happened: news spread rapidly Monday evening local time that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merit, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, played a key role.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not precedent for future cases,\” said CEO Brian Rolapp. This should give pause to Jon Rahm