First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet, Koepka is a competitive type, motivated and fired up especially during top-level competition, something the LIV circuit provided only to a limited extent. He switched in 2022 mainly because he feared an injury-forced career end and sought a substantial retirement payout for his personal pension fund. Given that, it’s not surprising he skipped the last contractually required season, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculations are rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible — likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies from his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the Tour that holds the upper hand? This key question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be readmitted as a player.
See this Instagram post from GOLF.com // GOLF Magazine
Any suspension would expire in August. That is also when the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. But Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour implements its new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, which suits Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely managing the new elite league, would value having another big name.
“He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” “He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not his favorite big events? If he can qualify or get into high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will look kindly on the five-time major champion. The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who follows Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines