First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, and Charley Hull is launching 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level contests, something LIV hasn’t fully ignited. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a sizable retirement fund. Hence, skipping his final contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary returns. Koepka, 35, still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was imposed after his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. It’s logical to welcome prominent LIV returnees back, especially those favored by the PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, high-profile fields—the perfect comeback scenario for him. Investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would also benefit from adding such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he enjoys—the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invitations to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka to return immediately.
Update: It happened exactly as anticipated. Monday evening local time saw news spreading quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were critical.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a February 2 deadline. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there’s no guarantee this path will be available again.\” This development might concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith and