First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, something he only partially found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to forgo the last contractually required season is therefore understandable, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour could immediately grant him playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the relaxation of previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. But why hold grudges when prominent LIV returnees benefit the dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to regain full player status.
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Any potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events and elite limited fields – a perfect comeback timing for Koepka. The PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another strong name. Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour.\” Rahm expects Koepka to possibly play only a minimum at first, focusing on