First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially deregistered for 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. This was amicably agreed according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something lacking at LIV. He joined the Saudi circuit in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement nest egg. So his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about his contract buyout or refund of guarantees. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Most speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, probably paying a penalty, or PGA Tour, serving a one-year ban since his last LIV event, softened from a lifetime ban under former commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partly answered: According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ended after 2022, and be reinstated as a member.
An eventual ban would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, ideal for his style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, backing the new top league, would welcome a star like Koepka.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA will be lenient with the five-time major winner — alongside the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence ban decisions, with Rory McIlroy recommending immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Also confirmed is his participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without ban. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major. The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and ends February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause disquiet in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million