First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back, 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to an official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which was somewhat lacking for him in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022, fearing injury might end his career and seeking a solid retirement fund. His decision to forgo the final contracted season raises questions, such as whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the significant relaxation of lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. After all, welcoming LIV returnees benefits the rival Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022, seeking reinstatement to the player pool.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. However, Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season if the PGA Tour implements its new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million events with limited, elite fields—a perfect re-entry opportunity aligned with Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the backbone of the new top league, would also welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will 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 events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to top-tier events, he’ll play those too.\” There might be some leniency for a five-time major winner; apart from the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have a say regarding suspensions, and they reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule introduced last Thursday permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were recognized, notably his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.