First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains tied to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest level, was less motivated playing in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mostly because injuries threatened to end his career, and he wanted to secure a solid retirement fund. Given that, his decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions: did he buy out of the contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Is Koepka, 35, still an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations grow about which fairways Koepka will play on next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, likely with a fine, or return to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance despite lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan being significantly softened. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee, especially a star, benefits the already more powerful Tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement among the players.
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Koepka’s potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. That timing suits a 2027 comeback, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, high-caliber fields. A perfect moment for a return, fitting Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, expected to back the new top league, would welcome such a star player.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites to high-profile events, he’d play those too.\” There could be leniency for a five-time major winner at Ponte Vedra Beach — where the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold sway over suspensions. Rory McIlroy, who recommended Koepka’s immediate return, reflects the fans’ view, with a \”Bunkered\” magazine poll showing majority support for his comeback.
Update: The rumored leniency is reality. News spread rapidly that Koepka