First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives in high-level sports contests, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, his opting out of the last contract year is unsurprising, though questions linger: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does he remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations abound regarding the fairways Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, as life bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly reduced. Why hold a grudge when any prominent returning LIV player benefits the established tour? This key question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership after 2022’s lapse.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season ending at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 if the PGA Tour implements its new condensed schedule with around two dozen $20-million events featuring limited, highly competitive fields — the perfect reentry timing suiting Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome his return as a strong draw.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and probably the majors he likes. If he qualifies or gets invites to big events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook his suspension given his five major titles — with influence from players’ directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement of Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on