First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found less of in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career’s end and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions linger about potential buyouts or refunds. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next tee off—immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a fine, or on the PGA Tour where he has served a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance amid significantly softened lifetime bans initially imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees benefit the established Tour? This key question now partially answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal comeback scenario suiting Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the high-profile addition.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent “Subpar” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may even waive suspension for the five-time major champion.
Update: Indeed, it happened. Monday evening local time brought the news that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is confirmed as well.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were duly considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes