First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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 champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injuries slashing his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or paybacks. He remains owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tour Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension post-LIV participation applies, now softened from former lifetime bans by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when LIV returnees, especially stars, benefit the established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka last Friday formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after his hiatus following 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields — a perfect comeback timing, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome this marquee name eagerly.
\”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for top-tier events or gains entry, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner — alongside the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It happened exactly as expected. Monday evening local time news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” a rule allowing selected LIV players resuming PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players winners in the past three years, expiring February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee for future cases. This development likely concerns Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau