First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, something he found limited at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and seeking a lucrative retirement fund. His waiver of the last contract year raises questions about possible buyouts or payback of guaranteed money. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately perhaps with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players benefit the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended post-2022.
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Any ban would expire in August, coinciding with the season’s end at the Tour Championship. Koepka could be eligible to play in 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This perfect timing suits Koepka and would appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
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 qualifies or gets in, he’d play those too.\” The PGA Tour, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may show leniency on Koepka’s suspension, backing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow his immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening 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 late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent major achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship, were key in this decision.
The PGA Tour statement clarifies this special rule applies only to major winners and Players Championship victors of the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour CEO, emphasized this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent for future cases.