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Membership Renewed, No Ban: Koepka Immediately Back on the PGA Tour

First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, 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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level contests, found limited motivation in LIV. Initially joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement payout, his decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyout or repayment of guaranteed earnings, and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.

Speculation intensifies regarding Koepka’s next fairways: DP World Tour, where he would have immediate eligibility likely subject to penalties, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. Notably, former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been significantly reduced. The PGA Tour seemingly benefits from prominent LIV returnees. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended beyond 2022.