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 remains affiliated with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely found on LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career, seeking a secure retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary returns. He still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations abound regarding Koepka’s next playing venues. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour—possibly with a penalty—or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV event is in effect but has been softened from the previous lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour, the more powerful circuit? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, which features a new compact schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields—the perfect comeback timing suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star for the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, probably the big events he likes. If he then qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champ—decision power lies with the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee—also reflecting Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. The news spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to majors and Players winners of the last three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This is sure to raise thoughts among Jon