First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level contests, something he only partially experienced at LIV. He originally joined in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or refunding guarantees, and whether the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. It makes sense not to be vindictive as returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, strengthen the established tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022, seeking reinstatement among players.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields — an ideal re-entry time fitting Koepka’s preferences. This also pleases investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new league’s backers, welcoming a marquee name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll 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 is eligible for elite events, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will bend the rules for the five-time major winner — the decision lies with the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee — and follows Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to admit Koepka immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. 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 late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin