First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to try again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level sporting confrontations, something he experienced only limited in LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared an early career end due to injuries and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, foregoing his last contractually required season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refunds of guaranteed earnings. It is unclear if the 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, likely after a penalty payment, or on the PGA Tour, where he would need to serve a one-year ban dating from his last LIV appearance, following significant reductions from the initial lifetime suspensions imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returned LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the already stronger Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended post-2022, to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual ban would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited, top-player fields. The perfect moment for a comeback, right to Koepka’s liking. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind the new top league, would surely welcome another strong name.
“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 participate in high-profile tournaments, he would play those too.” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the