First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf Series season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated primarily by high-level competition, which he found lacking in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure substantial retirement earnings. Thus, skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ongoing ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which fairways Koepka will appear next. He would be eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV start—though prior lifetime bans have been significantly relaxed. Since every returning LIV player strengthens the long-dominant Tour’s position, the question of Koepka’s return seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual ban would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season after the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would thus be eligible in 2027, fitting the PGA Tour’s plan for around two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect time for his comeback, suiting his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another star name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He might play at least the minimum, I’d say, choosing the big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play them.\” Moreover, the decision-makers including the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may waive penalties for Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him directly.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special regulation applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, until February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once