First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, and Charley Hull is launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain linked to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV-CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest level, has had limited motivation in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement payout. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions linger about possible buyout or partial repayment of guaranteed salaries. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation centers on which fairways Koepka will next appear: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty—or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his final LIV appearance, after the former lifetime bans by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. It makes little sense to be vengeful when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the more influential PGA Tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
See this post on Instagram
His suspension would expire in August, aligning with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited but elite fields—ideal timing for Koepka’s return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome the addition of such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka may need time but is likely to return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum events and focusing on the majors and tournaments he prefers. With influence from player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, it’s possible Koepka’s suspension could be overlooked, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow him immediate play.
Update: