First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh returns; Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. Having switched mainly due to injury concerns in 2022, aiming to secure a good retirement fund, it’s unsurprising he declined the last contractual season—though questions linger about any buyout or repayment. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations arise on which fairways Koepka will appear next. Eligible immediately for the DP World Tour—possibly with penalty payments? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after life bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player helps the more dominant Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing after 2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, concluding the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour compresses its schedule into about two dozen $20-million events with limited, star-studded fields—the perfect timing for his comeback, aligning with his tastes. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would surely welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. Once qualifying or invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency—players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have say on suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened just so. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s considerable sporting merits, especially his