First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV offered him only to a limited extent. Having joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, his skipping of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunding parts of his guaranteed fees. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play on next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible — perhaps with a penalty — or on the PGA Tour, where he currently faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. It makes sense for the PGA Tour to welcome prominent LIV returnees, and this question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — the perfect timing for a comeback. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind this new top league, would certainly welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, playing the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry into other high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” There’s also speculation that PGA Tour officials might be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, considering his five major titles and Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods and player directors have influence here.