First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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 rival circuit but needs more family time. This was confirmed in a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sports challenges, which he struggled to find at LIV. Originally joining LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, it is thus no surprise he skipped his final contractual season, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as new captain.
There is much speculation about where Koepka will play next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV participation. However, previous lifetime bans set by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have since been eased. It makes sense to welcome his return since it benefits the established tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field after leaving in 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. This would clear the way for Koepka to be eligible for the 2027 season, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. The timing is ideal for Koepka’s comeback, likely welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors supporting the new elite league.
\”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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. Once qualified for top events, he’ll participate in those too.\” There is even talk about the PGA Tour possibly showing leniency toward a five-time major winner. Decision-making authority over suspensions involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It has happened exactly as predicted. Monday evening local time saw the news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s case considered his recent sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players champions within the