First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level sporting challenges, something he lacked at LIV. Koepka initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the desire to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year does not come as a surprise, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunding part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation now centers on which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, likely with a fine, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, following the reduction of previous lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee benefits the tour wielding greater influence? This pivotal question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ pool.
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Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields, ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a high-profile name. Jon Rahm recently voiced on the ”
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“Subpar” : ” podcast that Koepka needs time but will likely return, playing at least the minimum and preferred big events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold sway over suspensions and reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news broke that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major played a key role. The PGA Tour states this exception applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2.