First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager to compete, and Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which LIV struggled to provide him. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries made him doubt finishing his career and he wanted a good retirement fund. So, skipping the final contracted season comes as no surprise, though questions remain: did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed earnings? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would allow him immediate play, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he technically faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV start following the easing of previous lifetime bans by then-commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player strengthens the more powerful established tours? This key question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not extending post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 as the PGA Tour plans a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with elite limited fields, perfect for his style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a notable name for the launch of their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies for premium tournaments or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner; voting on suspensions involves the board, player directors, and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who alongside Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return. Fans also seem favorable