First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, and Charley Hull heads to YouTube. 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 will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV didn’t fully provide. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and the opportunity for a substantial retirement fund. His skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility—likely with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, a suspension recently softened by the former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the stronger PGA Tour? This question partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka officially requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday, seeking to reactivate his membership after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end by August, coinciding with the Tour Championship concluding the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which will feature a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—a perfect restart opportunity appealing to Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said in 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, the big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those, too.\” With influence from the players’ board and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, and Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, Koepka’s return could see leniency on suspension.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
The return was facilitated by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement confirms the special rule applies to major winners and Players Champions from the past three years. The window closes February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This news is notable for players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes concern within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties are mild: a $5 million