First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his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 was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives in top-level competitions, and his motivation was limited while with LIV. He switched in 2022 largely because injury made him doubt the continuation of his career and wanted to secure a decent retirement fund. Hence, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour could grant him immediate playing rights – possibly after a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following significant reductions of lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. There seems to be a shift in policy, welcoming LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of about two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, highly competitive fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name in the top league.
“He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. “He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the majors? If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.” Additionally, the PGA board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee may be lenient on Koepka’s suspension, echoing Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to compete immediately. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine also suggests majority support for this.
Update: As predicted, Koepka was granted immediate PGA Tour eligibility and is set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with participation confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players back without suspension.