First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives under high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure retirement earnings. Given this, it is no surprise he waived his final contracted season, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments of guaranteed fees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation intensified over which fairways Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start due to former commissioner Jay Monahan’s reduced lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the established tour? This core question seems partially resolved. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after his 2022 membership lapse.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the season finale Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, stronger fields — the perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the events he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’ll play those.\” Maybe the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for the five-time major champion — voting rights for suspensions include the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, all reportedly supportive, including Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A majority of fans also appear to agree per a \”Bunkered\” magazine informal poll.
Update: \”And perhaps the PGA Tour will turn a blind eye for a five-time major winner\” — that’s exactly what happened. It spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for PGA Tour competition and