First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns at 62, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. 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 winner will remain connected to the competitor circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a competitor who thrives on top-level tournaments, appeared only moderately motivated at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 after injury concerns, he sought a secure financial future before retirement. Questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees, and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch named captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he is immediately eligible (possibly with a fine), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following LIV participation, now significantly softened from earlier lifetime bans. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022.
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His suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, making 2027 an ideal return period, especially with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events and limited, elite fields—a perfect fit for Koepka. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big events he likes. If he qualifies, he’ll play those too.\” With influence from Tiger Woods’ competition committee and endorsements from Rory McIlroy, the likelihood of Koepka’s return without harsh penalties increased.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” launched last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special regulation applies only to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years and ends February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This decision is expected to impact figures like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith