First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was said to be a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked on LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening the end of his career and to secure a strong retirement fund. Thus, it is not surprising he forfeits his final contractual season, though questions remain about buyouts or repayments. He is still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play: DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, likely with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension starting after his last LIV event, after lifetime bans issued by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially reduced? There is no reason for resentment, as every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the long-dominant tour. This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing ranks.
Koepka’s potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). He would be eligible to compete in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. The perfect time for a return, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name in the new top-tier tour.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ‘Subpar’. \”He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets invited to elite events, he would play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with the five-time major champion — alongside the Board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. Fans agree, as shown by a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps they will turn a blind eye for a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — this is exactly what happened. News spread quickly that Ko