First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level challenges, was less motivated in LIV events. He originally joined LIV in 2022, fearing an injury-shortened career and wanting a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations continue about which tours Koepka will join next. He is immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation. The former lifetime bans imposed by Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Returning LIV players, especially prominent ones, benefit the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would benefit PGA Tour Enterprises investors eager for big names on the new top-tier circuit.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return in the \”Subpar\” podcast, noting Koepka might start with minimal appearances focusing on major events and expand from there. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods reportedly support lifting Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him promptly.
Update: It happened just like that. News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
The \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday, permits selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, recognizing Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major.
The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a February 2 deadline. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity, not setting a precedent for future cases. This development likely influences players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty is relatively mild: a $5 million charitable donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup