First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This is the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type, motivated and fired up by top-level competition, something he experienced only partially at LIV. He originally switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractual season is therefore understandable, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after previously lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the already dominant Tour? This crucial question now seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player after not renewing post-2022.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding roughly with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect moment for a comeback fitting for Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name. \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, choosing the tournaments he likes, especially the big ones. And if he qualifies for or gets invited to elite events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major champion will be shown leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach—membership directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold influence over suspensions, reportedly following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
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