First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially 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 family time. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV Golf. He had shifted in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and a desire to secure retirement funds. His waiver of the final contracted season raises questions about buyouts or repayments, and whether he remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next compete. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he would have served a one-year suspension after his last LIV event following the significant reduction of lifetime bans. Returning high-profile LIV players benefit the PGA Tour’s stronghold. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022 and to be reinstated as a member.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. However, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 play with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields – the perfect re-entry timing for Koepka and attractive for PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in a recent podcast discussion. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum – the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or gets in those top events, he’ll play them.\” The decision-making includes the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka compete again immediately.
Update: This has come true. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that 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. He has also confirmed participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through a recently created “Returning Member Program” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years, with the deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and cause concern within LIV Golf.