First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon: The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of 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 his family. This amicable agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns at the end of his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not entirely surprising, though questions remain. Was there a buyout or did he repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation surrounds which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate playing rights, possibly against a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been served following his last LIV event, after the originally imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. Why hold grudges when any high-profile LIV returnee undoubtedly benefits the stronger tour? This question seems partially answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended beyond 2022, and to rejoin the player ranks.
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A potential suspension would have expired in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, highly competitive fields. The perfect timing for a comeback and just to Koepka’s taste. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors, likely behind the new top league, would surely welcome another strong name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He will probably at least play the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” And perhaps, as a five-time major winner, Koepka will receive a lenient treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach – with decisions on suspensions involving the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. Likewise, a majority of fans seem to support this, as indicated by a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner will get a lenient treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach\” –