First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something that was somewhat limited during his time in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns about ending his career early and securing a good retirement fund. Given this, his decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain?
The main speculation focuses on which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. The DP World Tour would possibly allow him to play immediately, maybe with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, given that the previously life-long suspensions imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star like Koepka, ultimately benefits the more influential and longer-established Tours? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a Tour player.
Any potential suspension would expire in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule compressed to about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. This would be an ideal comeback timing, perfectly suited to Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the sponsors of the new top league, would certainly welcome another big-name player.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, I would say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he would play those as well.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will turn a blind eye for the five-time major winner — decisions on suspensions involve the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods — following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play immediately.
Update: Just as expected, news spread rapidly