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 beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he experienced only to a limited extent at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His decision to forgo the final contractual season is therefore not surprising, though questions linger: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed earnings? Is he still the owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next compete. Possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, potentially with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee plays right into the hands of the dominant PGA Tour? This critical question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a member.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship ending the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome adding such a marquee player.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events or is invited, he’ll certainly play those too.\” There’s even talk that the PGA Tour might be lenient with the five-time major winner regarding his suspension—decisions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated for PGA Tour play immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale already confirmed.
This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors in his case.
The PGA Tour stated the policy