First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This mutual agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he rarely felt at LIV. Initially, his 2022 move to LIV was driven by injury concerns and a desire to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible financial settlements or partial paybacks. Koepka remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, already led by new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation now centers on which fairways Koepka will appear on next—likely the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a significant reduction from the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime ban. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee strengthens the PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, perfectly timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressed to about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields – an ideal comeback fit for Koepka’s style. Investors backing PGA Tour Enterprises would also welcome this high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he enjoys, the big ones. If he can qualify or get into high-profile events, he would definitely play them.\” The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who have influence over suspensions, could follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new regulation established last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, especially winning the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated that this special rule applies to major champions and Players winners of the last three years, ending February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and