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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only in high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he primarily moved to the Saudi circuit because he feared his career was nearing its end due to injuries and wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is ongoing about where Koepka will next appear on the fairways. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly subject to a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour, which has the upper hand? This key question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed after 2022, and to be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. But Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule condensed to about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields. The perfect moment for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely to manage the new top league, would surely welcome another strong name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently during 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 or can play in high-profile events, he’ll do so.\” And who knows, the PGA Tour might turn a blind eye to a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach — suspension decisions involve not only the board but also the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods and align with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. Polling from \”Bunkered\” magazine suggests a majority of fans agree.
Update: \”And perhaps they turned a blind eye to a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and