First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and intensity, which he only partially found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or earnings repayments. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named the new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible albeit likely facing fines, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the established Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm commented on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might take some time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour. He would likely play a minimum and choose tournaments he favors, including majors and high-profile events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods reportedly favor Koepka’s immediate return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news broke quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is enabled by the ‘Returning Member Program’ established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated the exemption applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this as a unique, clearly defined opportunity without precedent. This precedent may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing tension within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is lenient: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour equity programs linked