First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time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’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and intensity, something that was somewhat limited during his LIV tenure. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and the opportunity to secure substantial retirement funds. Given this, his decision to forego the last contractually required season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. Koepka also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete—on the DP World Tour, where he would presumably be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance. The former PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been significantly relaxed. Why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees ultimately benefit the reigning Tour, which holds the leverage? This question is partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing it post-2022 and to be reinstated as a player.
Any suspension would expire in August, aligning with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would thus be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields—the perfect timing for Koepka’s return. Investors of PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a star of his caliber in the likely new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm said recently on the podcast ‘Subpar,’ \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on his preferred big tournaments. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those as well.\” The players’ board and the competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, have influence over suspensions. Following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, Koepka might be allowed to compete immediately.
Update: Indeed, news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.