First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on 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 rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on top-level competition, something he has only partially found in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries seemed to threaten his career’s end, and he wanted a substantial retirement fund. Given this, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or partial repayment of guaranteed fees. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing eligibility, possibly against a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were eased. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This central question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, seeking readmittance.
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Any suspension would end in August, when the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — a perfect re-entry time suited to Koepka. This would also please investors at PGA Tour Enterprises backing the new league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gains entry to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner — voting on suspensions involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately allow Koepka to play again.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday permitting selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.