First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, something LIV didn’t consistently provide. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next; DP World Tour would allow immediate playing eligibility, likely subject to a penalty, or the PGA Tour where a one-year ban from his last LIV appearance is in place, following former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s reduction of lifetime suspensions. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? This crucial question has been partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August 2026. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited fields. A perfect comeback scenario for Koepka and appealing for investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the organizers of this new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka \”might need some time, but I think he’s coming back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for high-profile events or is invited, he would likely play those as well.\” Possibly, exceptions may be made by the PGA Tour board and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee on Koepka’s suspension, especially following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: It is confirmed: as of Monday evening local time, 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 is enabled by a recently created rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” permitting selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement says this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners from the past three years with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity\” and