First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 seeks more family time. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a friendly agreement. Koepka, known for his fierce competitiveness at the highest level, had mixed motivation playing LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 when injury threatened his career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is unsurprising, though questions linger about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s next playing venue: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible, perhaps facing a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan were softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee fits the PGA Tour’s interests? This key question is seemingly answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership ended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule consolidating about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields — an ideal comeback timing suiting Koepka perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated in the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He may need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he enjoys, the big ones. If he qualifies for top events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour would show leniency to the five-time major champion; decisions involve the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s stance supporting Koepka’s return.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is confirmed to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a new rule called the “Returning Member Program” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players winners from the last 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 may unsettle Jon Rahm, Bry