First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has announced he will not compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level competition and has been somewhat unmotivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain if he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money, and if he will stay owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations arise where Koepka will play next—immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. However, suspensions were softened following reconsiderations. On information from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka could be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-level fields—ideal timing for his return. This prospect pleases PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backers of the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently said in the “Subpar” podcast that Koepka might take some time but would return to the PGA Tour, probably playing a minimum schedule and major tournaments he enjoys. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold say in suspension decisions, likely influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately.
Update: It happened as expected. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated with immediate effect for the PGA Tour, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation is confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This became possible through the newly created “Returning Member Program’’ allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s athletic merits, most notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were central to this decision.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies to major and Players champions within the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity without precedent for future cases. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild—he must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 202