First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back at it, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly agreement, according to official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, rarely found this motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations grow about where Koepka will next compete: DP World Tour, where he could play immediately probably with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension imposed after his last LIV start, reduced from lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the stronger PGA Tour? This key question seems partially answered: According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the tour.
Any suspension would expire in August, by season end at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule concentrating nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields. Perfect timing for a comeback, just as Koepka would like. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star. \”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast: \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is eligible for big events, he’ll play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee might overlook Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: It happened just like this. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the