First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on top-level competition—a fire that didn’t fully ignite in LIV Golf. He switched to the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns shortening his career, aiming to secure a retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions—did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation is growing about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he might be immediately eligible to play, possibly facing a penalty, or returning to the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start after lifetime bans issued by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the more established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding roughly with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule consolidating about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, a perfect timing for a comeback that suits his style. This would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who likely back the new top-tier league, by regaining a marquee name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” Jon Rahm said recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. “I expect he’ll play at least a minimum schedule, and why not his favorite big tournaments? If he qualifies or gets into elite events, he’ll play those too.” There could be some leniency for the five-time major champ in Ponte Vedra Beach—decisions about suspensions involve not only the board, but also player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports directly letting Koepka play again, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
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