First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, seemed less motivated by LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022, fearing his career might end due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions linger about potential buyouts or partial repayments. At age 35, he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation revolves around where Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were eased by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why retaliate when every high-profile LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour’s leverage? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022, to rejoin its player pool.
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Any suspension would end in August, just as the 2026 season finishes with the Tour Championship Aug 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—ideal timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s fighting style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play a minimum, likely the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient towards the five-time major winner—board members, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who may heed Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened just as speculated. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
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