First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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 family time, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, questions linger about Koepka’s future playing venues, with speculation about a return to the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event has been significantly softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, an ideal moment for his comeback. Even PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently said in the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” With input from the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, and Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return, his suspension may be overlooked.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. 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 in late January. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible thanks to the \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s significant achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This decision likely weighs on Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are light: he must donate $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred for five years from the PGA Tour equity program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau