First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was a friendly agreement. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, felt underwhelmed at LIV. He switched in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation mounts over which fairways Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour could grant immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership for 2023 and rejoin the playing field.
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Koepka’s suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour unveils a condensed schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields, an ideal comeback moment. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka. Jon Rahm recently told the “Subpar” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play the minimum, focusing on big events he likes. If he qualifies for top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and a competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who along with Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened. Monday evening news broke that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour effective immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This is enabled by the “Returning Member Program,” a new rule created last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors. The PGA Tour stated this exception applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized the one-time nature of this opportunity and no guarantee it will recur. This development will surely