First start already booked at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is set for a comeback, and Charley Hull is launching a YouTube channel. 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 stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet Koepka, known as a fierce competitor motivated by high-level contests, showed limited enthusiasm in LIV, having joined in 2022 primarily motivated by injury concerns and securing a lucrative retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed earnings, and whether he retains ownership in his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation follows regarding which tour Koepka will appear on next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed post-2022, to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would run until August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. However, Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season featuring a compressed schedule with around two dozen $20 million events and limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his return, hearkening to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would certainly welcome his marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He will probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. And if he can qualify or get invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour may be lenient toward a five-time major champ like Koepka. Alongside the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods also hold say on suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has endorsed Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: This has come true. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is slated to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting merits were duly considered, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement notes the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, expiring on February 2. \”This is a