First start 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 remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he lacked motivation for in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and a desire to secure a retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about potential buyout or partial repayment of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will next appear. He is immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV start, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players, especially stars, strengthen the PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship (August 27–30). He’d be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — ideal timing for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another star name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for more, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will ease restrictions for the five-time major winner, as Rory McIlroy has recommended his immediate return. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions.
Update: Just so it happened. On Monday evening local time, it 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. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing certain LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension, considering their sporting merits, including Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus