First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family.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 amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has been less motivated in LIV, having joined in 2022 primarily because of injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. Koepka remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about which tours Koepka will join next—DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. Former life bans imposed by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the more powerful tours? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally requested reinstatement to the PGA Tour last Friday to regain membership after 2022.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, exactly when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule compressed to around two dozen $20 million events with elite limited fields—a comeback timed perfectly to Koepka’s taste. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely leading the new top league, would welcome a marquee name like him.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the events he likes, the majors. If he qualifies for other big events, he would play those too.\” There is speculation that with input from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger