First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to play again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026 starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for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’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated only in top-level competition, which he lacked in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was ending due to injury and wanted a good retirement fund. Thus, the waiver of the last contractually mandated season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary, and whether he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculations arise about which tours Koepka will join next. On the DP World Tour, he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, albeit suspensions imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It appears logical not to be vindictive as every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the stronger hand. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.
His potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship Aug 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited elite fields — a perfect reentry timing suited to Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or can participate in high-profile events, he would play those as well.\” Moreover, the suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. A majority of fans seem to agree, per a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: The expected leniency took effect as news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete again on the PGA Tour, beginning with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\