First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to LIV but wants more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. Koepka, a fiercely competitive player who thrives on high-level tournaments, found less motivation in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife where Koepka will next compete — DP World Tour with immediate eligibility possibly after a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, reduced from a lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
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The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship ending the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields — perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm told the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might need some time but I believe Koepka will return to the PGA Tour. He’d likely play minimum events, especially the ones he likes, the majors. If he qualifies for more elite tournaments, he would play those too.\” With input from player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, and Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for Koepka’s immediate return, an exception could be made.
Update: It happened: Monday evening news confirmed Koepka’s immediate PGA Tour eligibility, with plans to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open and the WM Phoenix Open. This is enabled by a new ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023 played a key role.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners of the past three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-off opportunity. This could impact names like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unsettle LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
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