First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This agreement was reportedly amicable, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in high-level competitions and was less motivated in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he declined the last contractual season, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculations abound on which tour Koepka will join next – the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. Former Commissioner Jay Monahan had issued lifetime bans that have since been softened. It seems a path back to the PGA Tour is opening. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin as a player.
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Koepka’s possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. In 2027, he could be eligible to play under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would be welcomed by PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter big events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may potentially be lenient with the suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka