First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. That was the friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. But Koepka, known as a competitor who gets motivated by high-level competition, showed limited enthusiasm in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 partly due to injury concerns ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his decision to skip the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or have to return part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour — possibly after a fine — or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans set by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, benefits the established PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which expired after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August. Although the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule of nearly two dozen $20-million events featuring limited, elite fields. The ideal time for a comeback, exactly to Koepka’s liking. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top league, would welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he then qualifies for or gets invites to major events, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will turn a blind eye for the five-time major champ – alongside the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have say on suspension matters, and Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” which allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. In Koepka’s case, his sporting