First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a amicable agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known to be highly motivated by top-level competition, something LIV has not fully provided for him. Initially joining LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund, his stepping away from the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour, where immediate eligibility might require a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, a penalty relaxed from the lifetime bans initially imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning to the PGA Tour aligns with the interests of the dominant tour and its investors. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. That timing positions Koepka perfectly for the 2027 season, launching a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with highly competitive limited fields — an ideal setup for a comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return during the ‘Subpar’ podcast, suggesting he might initially play a limited schedule, focusing on big tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may exercise discretion regarding his suspension, reportedly heeding Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka promptly.
Update: It has now been confirmed that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
The process was enabled by a newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ launched last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as a fifth major, were decisive.
The PGA Tour’s statement notes this special provision applies only to major and Players champions from the past three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a unique opportunity, not setting a precedent. This development notably affects players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and