First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him doubt his career longevity and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is understandable, although questions remain about financial settlements or his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now led by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next — DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, following a reduction of previously lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Reinstating prominent LIV returnees benefits the established Tour, and this major question seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding roughly with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible for the 2027 season featuring PGA Tour Enterprises’ streamlined schedule of approximately two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback stage perfectly suited to Koepka’s tastes. Investors and stakeholders of the new elite league would undoubtedly welcome a high-profile name like his.
Jon Rahm recently said in the ‘Subpar’ podcast, \”He might 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 tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies