First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But who really believes that? Koepka is a competitor who gets fired up and motivated only in high-level contests, something he experienced only sparingly at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because injuries had made him fear the end of his career and he wanted to secure a decent retirement fund. In that light, giving up the last contractual season is hardly surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out of the contract or repay part of the guaranteed money? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to compete—probably against a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially softened? Why be vindictive when any LIV returnee, especially a star, plays right into the hands of the already dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered now. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.
Any possible suspension would expire in August. Although the 2026 season would end then as well with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments, all with limited, top-player fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, just the way Koepka likes it. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, likely the backers of the new top league, would certainly welcome another big-name player.
\”He might 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, I would say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he can qualify for and participate in top tournaments, he will also play those