First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to an amicable agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, found limited motivation in LIV golf. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injuries fearing the end of his career and aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions linger about buyouts or partial repayments. At 35, he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation mounts about which fairways Koepka will next appear on. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, following significantly softened life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? The crucial 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, requesting reinstatement.
Any ban would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season final at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name joining their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on the big tournaments he likes. If qualified or invited to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” Rumor has it the PGA Tour might show leniency for the five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Koepka’s immediate return, have influence over suspensions. Rory McIlroy also recommended allowing Koepka back directly. A majority of fans share this view, based on a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: The expected leniency came true. Later that evening, news spread fast: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is confirmed. This became possible due to a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players direct membership reinstatement without bans.