First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to compete again; Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type energized by high-level competition, something that was limited in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
The rumors mainly focus on where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant playing rights, possibly with a penalty. Alternatively, the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, downgraded from lifetime bans imposed by ex-commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour wielding greater power? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not renewed after 2022.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship, August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of around two dozen $20 million events with limited, strong fields – perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will likely at least play the minimum, and why not play the events he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or gets invitations to high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency for a five-time major winner, as Rory McIlroy recommended. Player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have input on suspension decisions.
Update: It happened exactly as predicted. Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
Enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule covers 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 not precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp