First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, something he was less motivated by at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him consider retirement and he wanted a solid retirement payout. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or salary repayments. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
The bigger questions revolve around where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately possibly with a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans? Why hold grudges when any high-profile LIV returnee benefits the dominant tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would qualify for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields — an ideal comeback timing matching Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another strong name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those as well.\” There is speculation the PGA Tour might be lenient toward the five-time major winner — the rules committee, led by Tiger Woods, along with player directors, can influence the suspension, and Rory McIlroy recommends Koepka be allowed back immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, as indicated by a non-representative poll from \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: \”And maybe the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner\” — that’s exactly what happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed to participate in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is made