First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which he only partially found in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened his career’s end, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual playing year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or refunding guaranteed pay. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty, or PGA Tour where he currently serves a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, after lifetime bans were softened. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
The suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 play under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, the perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he then qualifies or is invited to top events, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s disciplinary committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors have influence on suspensions; following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately, and a fan survey by Bunkered magazine shows majority support for his return.
Update: The prediction came true: news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play again on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He