First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he experienced only to a limited extent at LIV. In 2022, Koepka moved to the Saudi league mainly due to injury concerns regarding the end of his career and to secure a good retirement payout. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which already appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation is growing about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start—this suspension being significantly reduced from a lifetime ban set by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one like Koepka, benefits the established tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player ranks.
Any potential suspension would end in August, around the time the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, the perfect moment for his comeback. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top-level 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, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can enter high-profile events, he’d play those as well.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency with a five-time