First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching 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 rival circuit but seeks more time for his family. This amicable agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive athlete who thrives on high-level contests. His motivation in LIV was limited, having joined in 2022 primarily for financial security during a time he feared career-ending injuries. It is not surprising he declined to play the final contracted season, although questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. However, following the easing of previously lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan, a swift return seems possible. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not continued after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a star of Koepka’s caliber.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need some time but would return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select events, especially majors and big tournaments. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors, have significant input on any suspension, and Rory McIlroy openly supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines later this January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule introduced last Thursday, allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merit, especially his 2023 PGA Championship title as a fifth major, was considered.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with February 2 as the deadline. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity, not setting precedent for future cases. This likely concerns players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is relatively mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year