First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try 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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level sporting contests, something he experienced only mildly in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his withdrawal from the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any financial settlements and whether he remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next compete: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after formerly lifetime bans were softened? It makes sense not to hold grudges since LIV returnees, especially prominent ones, benefit the dominant tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka last Friday formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, aiming to return to competition.
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. This timing perfectly aligns with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top-tier fields, ideal for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome having another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently stated in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably just play the minimum, I’d say, and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets into high-profile events, he would play those as well.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may show leniency, especially following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through 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 sporting achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship major win, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour statement notes that the special rule applies to major 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 a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp