First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but says he needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition—something he found limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury fears and a desire to secure a retirement fund, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions—did he buy out the contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary? He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will appear on next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, probably with a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when reinstating a prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership and rejoin the PGA Tour player pool after not renewing post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-ranked fields—perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome such a high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on big events he likes. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have sway over suspensions. Following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to let Koepka play again and a majority fan sentiment found by \”Bunkered\” magazine, a reprieve was likely.
Update: The predicted leniency happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
Koepka Reinstated on PGA Tour Without Suspension
Koepka’s return marks a major development in professional golf, bridging gaps between rival leagues and restoring fan interest. The PGA Tour’s strategic schedule and support from top players highlight a new era post-conflict with LIV Golf.
Other Notable Comebacks and Updates
At 62, Vijay Singh is