First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This mutual agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type motivated by top-level sport, appeared less fired up during his LIV tenure. He originally joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and a desire to secure a comfortable retirement fund. His skipping of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Meanwhile, he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surrounds which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would likely grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post LIV participation, though the initial lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan have significantly eased. Many wonder why the PGA Tour would not welcome a high-profile LIV returnee, boosting their leverage. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after it was not extended beyond 2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields. An ideal time for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for or is invited to top events, he’ll play those too.\” It’s possible that the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner like Koepka. The decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports allowing Koepka back, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news broke rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is