DP World Tour opens path for LIV players, family joy in Oban, spot the Fox error, and Fleetwood’s new attire. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has completed his first week back on the PGA Tour with dignity. Finishing tied 56th at Justin Rose’s victory at the Farmer Insurance Open wasn’t a sensational feat, but in this case, the journey was the goal. Koepka started with a one-over-par 73, followed by a 68 to make the cut, then finished the weekend at Torrey Pines with scores of 73 and 70. Mission accomplished. On Friday, after making the weekend cut, the five-time major winner spoke about falling in love with the game again. That was what he missed during his LIV stint: competition. The tough struggle. Fighting for a three-meter putt even though he was 20 strokes behind the leader. But every stroke counts, especially when a hundred or more players share the same goal. \”I’m glad to be grinding it out out there again,\” said Koepka.
However, criticism still surrounds Koepka’s comeback, which some find too easy and smooth. Not only Wyndham Clark. In an interview with Golf Digest Japan before the Farmers, Hideki Matsuyama also spoke unusually extensively. Considering his usual polite restraint, one could say: the 2021 Masters champion is furious.
He said he was shocked upon learning of the LIV star’s return. Matsuyama, who rejected a nine-figure offer from the rival circuit in 2022, partly due to the consequences for his PGA Tour future, complained: \”I thought: How is it possible that he can just come back like that? What happened to the idea that players who joined LIV are not allowed to participate in PGA Tour events for a year? And now there’s a Returning Member Program?\”
\”I have nothing against Koepka. I even find it quite impressive that Brooks had the courage to make this decision and cancel his LIV contract.\”
Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama said he was unaware of such a rule: \”I wonder why the PGA Tour didn’t explain the situation to the players in advance? But we are just supposed to play and have no say otherwise.\” Matsuyama finished eleventh at La Jolla, well ahead of Koepka. Did that soothe him?
DP World Tour: Removing Penalties for LIV Players?
The DP World Tour is reversing penalties for rebellious members. Starting in the 2026 season, no fines will be imposed on players participating in non-sanctioned tours like the