First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition and motivation, which he has only limited on LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injuries threatening to end his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. So forgoing the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of the guaranteed money. Does he remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations arise about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour where he’d be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following significant softening of lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. There is little reason for vindictiveness if every LIV returnee ultimately benefits the stronger PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new, compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka’s preferences and would please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backbone of the new top league. Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might take some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum and possibly his favorite big events.\” PGA Tour leadership, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may show leniency following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: This has come to pass. On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in