First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a 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 with the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a fiercely competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited during his time in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 after injuries threatened his career, seeking financial security for retirement. His decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions about potential buyouts or repayments. Meanwhile, Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka might join next. While immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—possibly with a penalty—he faces a one-year suspension on the PGA Tour after his last LIV appearance, following the softening of previously lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The crucial question appears partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. This timing positions Koepka perfectly for a 2027 return, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—ideal for his competitive style. Such a return would be welcome among PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar,\” suggesting Koepka will gradually return, likely playing selective tournaments he favors, including majors. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, may grant him leniency regarding the suspension.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, confirmed for the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This became possible through a recently established \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement notes this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with the deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development poses challenges for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour Charity Fund,