First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely experienced in LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi-backed league was mainly due to injury concerns threatening to end his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. His skipping of the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out the contract or repay guarantees. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly after a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were heavily softened. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing group after not renewing it post-2022.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields – an ideal comeback moment suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome adding another big name. Jon Rahm recently told the podcast ‘Subpar,’ ‘He might need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those.’ Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will soften his ban, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has now happened: on Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by a new policy called the ‘Returning Member Program’ created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said,