First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets fired up during top-level sporting battles, something he only partially found in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, forgoing the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
The main speculation revolves around which fairways Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would permit immediate eligibility, possibly subject to penalty payments, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following the significant reduction of the life ban imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more dominant Tour? This key question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday, Koepka formally requested reactivation of his PGA Tour membership, dormant since 2022, to re-enter the player ranks.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments featuring limited, best-field events. The perfect timing for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome another high-profile name on the new top-tier circuit.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient with a five-time major winner. The board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy advised letting Koepka play immediately.
Update: That’s precisely what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed.
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