First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunds. At 35, does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly facing a penalty—or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV participation, now softened after Jay Monahan’s previous lifetime bans were reduced. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee boosts the PGA Tour’s strength? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would run until August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields — the perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies for other high-profile tournaments, he would play those, too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour’s board and player directors, including the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, will be lenient, especially following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just so: news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new policy created last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated that this provision is for major winners and Players Championship winners from the last three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future