First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something he felt was limited at LIV. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund, making skipping the final contractual season not surprising, though questions remain about possible contract buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would allow him immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty fee, while the PGA Tour requires one year suspension post-LIV participation, though lifetime bans have been significantly reduced. Returning to the PGA Tour benefits the established circuit and fans alike. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022, and to rejoin the player pool.
Update: \”And maybe they will turn a blind eye at Ponte Vedra Beach for a five-time major champion\” – that is exactly what happened. On the evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka was immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through a newly introduced rule, the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed Without Suspension
His possible suspension would have ended in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his return. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome the addition of such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” The player board, competition committee led by Tiger Woods, and fan sentiment, as reflected by a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll, support easing Koepka’s return, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Other Noteworthy Golf News
Bryson DeChambeau confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026 with Crushers teammates Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri returning unchanged,