First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was agreed upon amicably. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. Koepka joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season raises questions. Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guarantee? Does he remain an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations about which tour Koepka will join next are rampant. Would he play on the DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, possibly after paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance following the severe lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan being greatly reduced? The PGA Tour benefits from the return of high-profile LIV players like Koepka who hold leverage. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership from 2022 and be readmitted to the players’ roster.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be immediately eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour rolls out a new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited, star-studded fields – an ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently 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 and why not the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for or can enter top events, he’ll compete in those too.\” The suspension policy involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, likely following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play.
Update: It happened as anticipated. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent major achievements, notably the 2023 PGA Championship, were key considerations.
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