First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull will launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets fired up during high-level sports challenges, something he felt was limited at LIV. He switched to Saudi in 2022 mainly for financial security due to career-threatening injuries. The decision to skip the last contractual season raises questions: Did he have to buy out a contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Will he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has made Talor Gooch the new captain?
Speculations have been rampant about where Koepka will next compete. DP World Tour would likely grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction in the lifetime bans initially imposed. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee ultimately benefits the PGA Tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
Any ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the new compressed PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—perfect timing for his return, fitting his competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome a high-profile name like Koepka.
Jon Rahm recently noted on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour leadership including the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly supports easing Koepka’s return following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news has spread rapidly: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee