First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, found limited motivation at LIV. He initially joined in 2022, fearing an early career end due to injury and seeking a substantial retirement fund. His waiver of the final contractual season raises questions about potential buyouts or repayment of guarantees. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next — DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a fine, or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event applies, although life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Notably, the PGA Tour seems welcoming to LIV returnees, especially prominent names. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-quality fields — perfect timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises likely welcome a name of Koepka’s stature. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in a podcast, predicting Koepka will return to PGA Tour to play selectively, including major events he favors. The PGA Tour board, player representatives, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, with Rory McIlroy endorsing Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka’s immediate reinstatement was confirmed Monday evening local time; he will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering recent major victories like Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described this as a one-time opportunity forming no precedent, expiring February 2. This development unsettles LIV Golf and other players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith. Koepka must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and PGA Tour equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson