First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull heading to YouTube 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. This official statement came from LIV CEO Scott McNeill, though many doubt its full truth. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and intensity, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the desire to secure his retirement funds. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible payouts or ownership status of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were largely softened. Why be vindictive when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed post-2022.
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-player fields, perfect for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another big name. Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play a minimum schedule, the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more, he’ll play them too.’ The PGA Tour’s competition committee led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors, may also ease his suspension following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Indeed, Koepka gained immediate PGA Tour eligibility on Monday evening local time, confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ announced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated this special exemption applies to major winners and Players Championship victors of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations,’ said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely raises concerns for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau,