First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV Golf. He had initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure a good retirement fund. It is not surprising he skipped the final contracted season, although questions remain about financial arrangements and whether he continues to own the LIV Smash GC team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation mainly surrounds where Koepka will play next. Will it be the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans were softened by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, as the PGA Tour plans a new condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. This would be the perfect timing for his comeback, fitting his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will likely play a minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour may be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, considering his five majors, with decisions influenced by the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.