First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has announced he will not play the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League, starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive spirit in top-level contests, has not been fully motivated on LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 while considering retirement due to injuries and seeking a retirement fund. His skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He continues to own his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He could be eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or return to the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. The lifelong bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Allowing prominent LIV returnees benefits the dominant PGA Tour. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
His suspension would expire in August, which coincides with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for the new 2027 PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like him.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he will play those too.\” The player directors and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, have influence on suspensions and reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: It happened just as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is once again eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
The path was cleared by a new \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated this special exemption applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a \”one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedent for future cases.\” This may impact other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau