First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor motivated by top-level battles, something he lacked at LIV. Initially, he joined LIV in 2022 due to injury doubts about continuing his career and to secure his retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contractual season isn’t surprising, but questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife on which fairways Koepka will next appear: DP World Tour, where he’s immediately eligible possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans were reduced. The PGA Tour benefits from high-profile LIV returnees. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming for a comeback.
Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and Tour Championship. He’d be eligible for 2027, timed with the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields, ideal for Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star addition.
Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invited, he’d play those too.’ There’s speculation the PGA Tour might show leniency to a five-time major winner. Player directors along with the Tiger Woods-led competition committee influence suspension rules, and Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s return. A majority of fans seem to agree, as per a non-representative ‘Bunkered’ survey.
Update: The speculation was confirmed as news broke that Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility and will play the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and also