First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning to compete, and Charley Hull launching her own 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 will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was an amicable decision according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he was missing somewhat on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening to end his career, and the opportunity to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is understandable, though questions linger about any buyout or paybacks. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, potentially paying a penalty, or try to return to the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV appearances. Former lifetime bans by Commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. Returnees to the PGA, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefit the established tour. Indeed, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ roster.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields — a perfect time for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another high-profile player.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, especially the big ones. If he qualifies or is eligible for top-tier events, he will likely play those too.\” There is speculation the PGA Tour might be lenient on Koepka’s suspension—player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence, and Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: Koepka was reinstated with immediate effect as PGA Tour member and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” rule introduced last Thursday allowing select LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as his 5th major was notably considered.
The PGA Tour statement notes this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and ends on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp clarified this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence.
This likely influences stars like