First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh keen to compete again, Charley Hull soon to launch on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the LIV Golf League’s 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, seemed less motivated by LIV. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV because injury threatened to end his career, seeking a solid retirement fund.
Speculation is rife over where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Former life bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields – perfect timing for Koepka’s comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka will likely return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum events, including his preferred big tournaments, and might get a lenient approach regarding the suspension from the PGA board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s reinstatement.
Update: 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, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour memberships without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key to this decision.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated the special rule applies only to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years until February 2, marking a unique, non-precedential opportunity. This development will likely impact other LIV players and stir unease within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV was mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program.