First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a mutual agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, was less motivated in LIV events. Having switched in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a retirement fund, it is no surprise he declined his final contractual playing year, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch appointed as new captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will next compete. He is eligible to play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly subject to a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced the lifetime bans substantially. Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This major question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his dormant PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing ranks.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule compressed into about two dozen $20-million events with limited, elite fields. A perfect scenario for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big-name star for their new top league.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he enjoys, the big ones? If he qualifies for or is invited to top-tier events, he’d play those too.\” With input from Tiger Woods leading the competition committee and Rory McIlroy recommending allowing Koepka back immediately, there’s speculation the suspension might be waived. A non-representative fan poll by \”Bunkered\” supports this view.
Update: The rumor became reality as Koepka was cleared to play immediately on the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He will also appear at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This became possible thanks to a new \”Returning Member Program\” that allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
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