First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Expectedly, Brooks Koepka has 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 wants more family time. This amicable decision was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited on LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His choice not to play the last contracted season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, where Talor Gooch has been named the new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he’s likely eligible immediately, possibly with penalties, or PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance remains since the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime suspensions were eased. It now appears this question is partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that lapsed after 2022 and to be reinstated as a player.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-field entries—an ideal re-entry time suiting Koepka’s competitive style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another big name joining their new top league.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for more high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee might show leniency towards the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through a new rule called the “Returning Member Program” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory as his fifth major, were considered in this case.
The PGA Tour stated the exemption applies to major winners and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and