First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who excels in high-level competitions, something he largely lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because of injury worries threatening his career’s end and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season isn’t surprising, although questions remain: Did he buy out of his contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary? Does he still own his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would immediately allow him to play—possibly after paying a penalty. The PGA Tour, however, has imposed a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive if every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, ultimately benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the leverage? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the players’ circle.
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Any suspension would end in August. The 2026 season also concludes then with the Tour Championship from August 27–30. For 2027, Koepka would be eligible to play if the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would please the investors of PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely backers of the new top league, eager to have another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will 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 tournaments, he would play those as well.\” Maybe the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major winner—besides the board, the players’ directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have input on suspensions, and Rory McIlroy recommends letting Koepka play again. According to the magazine \”Bunkered,\” a non-representative survey of fans shows a majority agree.
Update: \”And maybe the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major winner\”—just as anticipated. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He has also confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This is enabled by a