First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a highly competitive player motivated by top-level sporting challenges, something he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he moved largely due to injury concerns and the desire for a solid retirement fund, so skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising though questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will appear next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible perhaps with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, with prior lifetime suspensions softening. The essential question may be partly answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not extended after 2022.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing matches Koepka’s preferences and would appeal to investors backing the new top league, PGA Tour Enterprises, who would welcome a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return during the podcast ‘Subpar’, expecting him to play selectively at major tournaments he favors, potentially fully engaging if qualifying. The player directors and Tiger Woods-headed competition committee, with Rory McIlroy advocating Koepka’s immediate reinstatement, also hold influence over suspensions. Additionally, a fan survey by the magazine ‘Bunkered’ shows majority support for Koepka’s return.
Update: The anticipated leniency happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled