First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back in action, Charley Hull is coming soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the LIV Golf League season 2026, which kicks off on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. Originally switching in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, skipping his final contracted year is unsurprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will join next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, a penalty that was drastically reduced from a lifetime ban. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee ultimately benefits the longer-established tour? This vital question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and to be readmitted as a player.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major champion gets a break in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. The news spread rapidly 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. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This is enabled by a surprisingly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
A possible suspension would have ended in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible again in 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields — a perfect reentry moment fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, expected to run the new top league, would welcome such a 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 events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry into high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps Koepka will get some leniency — the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy has recommended allowing Koepka back immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, as shown in a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.