First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, has not truly ignited at LIV. After switching to the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 when injuries jeopardized his career, securing solid retirement earnings, his opting out of the final contract year is unsurprising—though questions remain regarding possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previously lifetime bans were softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, strengthens the PGA Tour’s hand? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, concluding with the 2026 season during the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s newly condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—ideal timing for a comeback fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name. Jon Rahm recently said on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, ‘He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets to the big events, he’ll play those too.’ Possibly, the PGA Tour might ease Koepka’s suspension, with input from the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, reportedly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
Update: Indeed, Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open