First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh resurfaces, Charley Hull set to launch YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement, stated LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka—known for his competitive drive—is motivated by high-level competition, something LIV only partially offered. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career, aiming to secure a good retirement fund. Considering this, his skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will appear next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, possibly facing penalties, or on the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance stands, following a significant reduction from former commissioner Jay Monahan’s original lifetime ban. It’s arguably in PGA Tour’s interest for prominent LIV returnees to come back, as it strengthens their position. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing in Koepka’s view. This return would also please investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backers of the new top league, welcoming such a marketable name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka might need some time but expects him back on the PGA Tour, playing minimum events and selected majors he likes. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who holds sway in suspension decisions, may well follow Rory McIlroy’s advice, who supports Koepka’s immediate play.
Update: It happened just as anticipated. 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 end of January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is possible thanks to the recently created ‘Returning Member Program’, which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship title as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement notes the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,’ said PGA Tour CEO Brian