First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, and Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat lacking in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022, mainly due to injuries that made him doubt the continuation of his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. So, skipping the last contractually obligated season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial details. Is he still owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour where he could play right away, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour bearing a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a downgrade of previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a big name, benefits the established tour? This seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing group.
His potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, best-field lineups. This would be an ideal comeback time, matching Koepka’s competitive nature. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another marquee name in the new top league.
\”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, the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the five-time major winner will benefit from some leniency at Ponte Vedra Beach — the PGA Tour board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say on suspensions and follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play again. A majority of fans seem to agree,