First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull heads to YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This agreement was reportedly amicable, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, which LIV had offered only limited motivation. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. So skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunding guarantee money. Koepka also remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility—possibly with a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was imposed after his last LIV appearance but has since been softened. Rather than vindictive bans, the PGA Tour seems open to welcoming LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones, as they strengthen the tour’s appeal. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields—a perfect return timing. Key investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome adding such a marquee player.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar,\” expressing confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing a minimum schedule focused on major events he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may grant leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka.
Update: It happened exactly as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his recent PGA Championship 2023 victory — his fifth major — was a decisive factor.
The PGA Tour stated this special provision applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, and cause unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s