First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to return, 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 will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV events and reportedly joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure a retirement fund amid injury concerns. It’s no surprise he waived his last contracted season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refund of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation swirls about Koepka’s future tournaments—whether on the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with penalties, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been significantly softened, given the PGA Tour benefits from returning LIV stars like Koepka. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star joining the top league. Jon Rahm expressed optimism on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, suggesting Koepka might start with minimum events and then play the majors he likes. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may overlook his suspension for the five-time major champion.
Update: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is confirmed to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is possible thanks to the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners within the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. According to PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, this opportunity is unique and not a precedent for future cases. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unsettles the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program linked to investor funding.