First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, wasn’t fully motivated at LIV. He primarily joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 due to injury concerns about the end of his career and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will soon grace—DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. It appears the crucial issue is partly resolved; according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022 and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of the season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). This positions Koepka perfectly for a 2027 comeback when the PGA Tour rolls out a new condensed schedule with around two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring smaller elite fields—just his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly appreciate adding a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee in Ponte Vedra Beach hold influence on suspensions, and they seemingly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened exactly like that. On Monday evening, 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. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible through the \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule created last Thursday that allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. For Koepka, his recent sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement clarified this special regulation applies to major winners and Players Champions from the last three years, with the deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.