First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, 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 connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level contest which LIV only partially provided. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about financial details and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights—possibly with a penalty fee—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, now mitigated from former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime ban. It makes strategic sense not to be vindictive as any LIV returnee strengthens the already dominant tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s end at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. This timing sets up an ideal comeback in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—perfectly suited to Koepka’s preferences. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome such a high-profile return.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and likely the big events he likes. If he qualifies for or gets invites to high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” The decision-makers, including the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, have input on suspensions and rumors suggest Rory McIlroy recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately. This viewpoint appears popular among fans, per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
Update: \”And maybe an eye will be turned for a five-time major winner at Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. Word spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at January end. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed as well.
This became possible due to a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing certain LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile,