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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition. This was somewhat limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him think his career was ending and he wanted a solid retirement fund. So it’s not surprising he skipped the last contractual season, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation is growing about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans? The question of why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the tour that holds the stronger position, seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, surrendered after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
Any suspension would expire in August. The 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with almost two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, exactly Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the new top league’s backers, would surely welcome another big name.
\”He may 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, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited, he’d play those too.\” Maybe they’ll give a five-time major winner a break in Ponte Vedra Beach—besides the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence the ban situation, and Rory McIlroy recommended letting Koepka play immediately.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January in Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
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