First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on the highest level competitions, which he has found limited motivation for in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and seeking a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contractual season doesn’t surprise, though questions remain about buyouts and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on where Koepka might next play — on the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following lifetime bans being softened. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful PGA tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the season 2026 finale at the Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, making for an ideal comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a star like him. Jon Rahm even said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour… He’ll probably play at least the minimum, the tournaments he likes, the big ones… And if he qualifies or can compete in high-profile events, he will.\” The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may ease his suspension following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka to play again.
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