First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to compete, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. The decision was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has been less motivated at LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns about ending his career, Koepka aimed to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions linger about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, after previous lifelong bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Allowing returning LIV players—especially prominent names like Koepka—back benefits the stronger PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An expected suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule focusing on about two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—ideal timing for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome this star addition.
Jon Rahm recently said on 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, why not his favorite big tournaments? If he qualifies or gets into major events, he’ll play those too.” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee—including Rory McIlroy, who supports Koepka’s immediate return—have influence over suspension decisions.
Update: It happened as expected. 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 in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s on-course achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, “This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases. When this door closes