First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who is motivated and thrives in high-level competition, which he somewhat lacked at LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily as he thought his career might be ending due to injury and wanted to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour would likely grant him immediate eligibility—perhaps with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every returnee, especially a high-profile one, plays into the hands of the PGA Tour? This key question seems partly 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 readmitted to the playing field.
See this post on Instagram
If any suspension remains, it would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule with roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields. The perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the organizers of this top-tier league, would welcome another big name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not his favorite big events? If he qualifies or is eligible for top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will ease up on the suspension for this five-time major winner—besides the board, the player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee will have influence, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. Fans seem to agree as well, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered.\”
Update: The speculation became reality: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will