First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 fearing injury might end his career and to secure significant retirement funds. Skipping the final contracted season is thus unsurprising, although questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He also remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife over where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility—possibly for a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension imposed after his last LIV event remains in effect, albeit reduced from a lifetime ban. The crucial question: why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the established Tour’s position? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended post-2022, seeking re-entry into the playing field.
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His potential 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 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited, high-caliber fields—a perfect re-entry timing for him. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome a star name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, expecting Koepka to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selectively and particularly the big events he prefers. PGA Tour leadership, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may waive penalties for the five-time major winner.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly 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. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly established ‘Returning Member Program’ last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s case considered his sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
According to the PGA Tour statement, this special rule applies to major winners and The Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp cautioned this