First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the LIV Golf League season 2026, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns late in his career and the opportunity for a solid retirement fund, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds where Koepka will play next — on the DP World Tour, where he would be instantly eligible, likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, since the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been substantially eased? This crucial question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player roster.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, closing the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields – a perfect timing for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he can qualify or get into big events, he would play them too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour might ease his suspension given his five major wins, with influence from the players’ board and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, following Rory McIlroy’s support for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated to the PGA Tour with immediate effect and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s playing merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states the exemption is valid for major winners and Players champions from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”No guarantee