First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains tied to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, showed limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly to secure a solid retirement income amid injury concerns. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or refunds. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculations are rampant about where Koepka will compete next. Immediate eligibility exists for the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans have been softened. Returning to the PGA Tour suits both Koepka and the Tour, which benefits from high-profile returnees. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after 2022.
The suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s condensed schedule featuring fewer but more lucrative $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka’s competitive appetite and would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence about Koepka’s return in the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He might take some time but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He might play the minimum but why not the big events he likes? If he qualifies for or is invited to the marquee tournaments, he’d play them.\” There is speculation that despite the suspension, Koepka may get leniency from the PGA Tour’s player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: It happened exactly like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on