First start at the Farmers Insurance Open, Vijay Singh making a comeback, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and is highly motivated in such battles – something he rarely found on LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his waiver of the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain: did he have to buy out part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next appear: on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant easing of earlier lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why seek revenge when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a playing member.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—a timing fitting for his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invited to high-profile events, he would likely also participate.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner — the decision-making involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately, a view seemingly shared by most fans, as suggested in a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered.\”
Update: As rumored, Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed. This was made possible by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially