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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, which he found limited at LIV. He had switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a sizable retirement fund. Hence, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he’s still an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations arise about where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately—possibly with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a previously imposed one-year suspension after last LIV play due to reduced lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. There’s no point in vindictiveness since any returning LIV player strengthens the PGA Tour’s hand. This critical question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, aiming for readmission into the playing circle.
An eventual suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, highly competitive fields—a perfect comeback moment suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome a star of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify for or participate in high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PTO, the board, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee would waive some suspensions for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately allow Koepka back.
Update: Exactly so. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s athletic merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the special rule applies to major champions and Players winners from the past three years. The deadline