First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion plans to stay connected with the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, showed limited motivation with LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund. His early exit from the contract’s final season raises questions about possible buyouts and whether he remains the owner of the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about Koepka’s upcoming tour appearances. Will he join the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, perhaps paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following reduced lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? The question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended beyond 2022, aiming to return to the player roster.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule, featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited, highly competitive fields—a fitting moment for his comeback. The investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely managing the new top league, would welcome another notable name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the tournaments he likes—the major ones. If he qualifies for top events, he’ll definitely play those.\” There is speculation the PGA Tour might be lenient with a five-time major winner like Koepka,. The decisions rest with the Board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy recommending immediate reinstatement.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour again 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, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key to this decision.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship champions of the past three years. The deadline is February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said: \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases. Once this window closes, no guarantee exists that this avenue will reopen.\” This move is likely