First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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 intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, seemed less motivated during his LIV tenure. His 2022 move to LIV was mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, making his skip of the final contracted season understandable though questions about contract buyouts and refunds remain. Koepka also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, recently led by Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rampant about where Koepka will compete next. Will he play on the DP World Tour, where he would have immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV event remains in effect, suspended after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened? Why be vindictive when every high-profile LIV returnee serves the established Tour’s interests? This pivotal question seems partly resolved. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed post-2022, aiming for reinstatement.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20-million events with limited elite fields — a perfect re-entry timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s backers, would surely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner; besides the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension decisions, and Rory McIlroy advocates Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened exactly as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule established last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, ending February