First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career and to secure a solid pension fund. It’s not surprising he foregoes the last contracted season, but questions remain about contractual details and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible — perhaps with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee strengthens the already dominant Tour? It seems partially answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
See this post on Instagram
The potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — perfect timing for a comeback. This is also appealing for investors at PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the backers of the new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or can play high-profile events, he’d participate.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will cut some slack for the five-time major winner — the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Koepka’s return. Rory McIlroy also favors letting him play immediately. A majority of fans agree, according to a non-scientific survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner will get a break in Ponte Vedra