First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who gets motivated and fired up by top-level sports challenges, something he lacked during LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career end and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary? Is the 35-year-old still an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will appear next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly relaxed? Why be vindictive when every notable LIV returnee benefits the tour, which holds the longer lever? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to rejoin the player roster.
A potential suspension would expire in August. The 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship August 27-30, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backing the new top league, would welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll 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 gets invites to top events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will get some leeway in Ponte Vedra Beach — besides the board, player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say in suspensions and follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: It has happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread fast that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.