First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch 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 time for family. This was stated amicably by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He notably switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. He’d be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly after a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV appearance. The life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why hold grudges, when every LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not renewed since 2022, seeking reinstatement.
The possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. A perfect reentry time suited to Koepka’s preference, and a valuable asset for PGA Tour Enterprises investors likely backing the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently said in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He would probably play at least the minimum, and why not tournaments he likes, the majors. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will relent for the five-time major champ, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened exactly so. 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 at the end of January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona’s TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major champions and Players winners