First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, and Charley Hull plans her YouTube debut. 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 champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competitive settings, was less motivated at LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022 after injury concerns threatened his career, seeking a secure retirement fund. Hence, skipping his last contracted season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed salary? He remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation centers on where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he is immediately eligible, possibly for a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. This ban has since been eased from a lifetime ban imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. The PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields would then be in effect — an ideal return for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a marquee name like him.
Jon Rahm recently said in the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka will likely return and play selectively, focusing on major events. There is even speculation that the PGA Tour might ease the suspension further, considering Koepka’s five major titles, with approval from the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January in Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This is facilitated by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, reflecting Koepka’s recent major victories.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity, not a precedent. This development is a concern for LIV Golf stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred from the five-year PGA Tour equity program.