First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, his choice to skip the final contracted season is not surprising though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could welcome him immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV participation, modified from a previous lifetime ban. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee benefits the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
Any suspension would end in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship on August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would value his return.
Jon Rahm recently told the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, especially majors. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he will play those too.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee, alongside Board and Player Directors, may waive his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: The news broke Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. He’s also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This follows the new \”Returning Member