First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh gearing up again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting challenges, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Considering this, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain if he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed money. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which fairways Koepka will appear next—on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, following the significant reduction of lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. It appears this issue is partly resolved. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the players’ circle.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season end at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule consolidating nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields—a perfect comeback timing. This prospect appeals to Koepka and the PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely supporting the new premier league, who would welcome another strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I believe 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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he will play those too.\” It is possible that the PGA Tour could overlook some suspension details for a five-time major winner; the player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence here and align with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to immediately allow Koepka to play again. A majority of fans appear to agree, according to a