First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to rival circuits but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on top-level contests, was less motivated during his time with LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, his decision not to play the final contracted season raises questions about contract buyouts and his ownership stake in LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will compete next: DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event. The previously imposed lifetime bans have been relaxed, and returning LIV players are welcomed by the PGA Tour, which wields greater influence. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 as the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also please the investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, the likely organizers of the new elite league.
Jon Rahm commented on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that while Koepka may need some time, he believes Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing a minimum number of events, focusing on the big tournaments he enjoys. With recommendations from Rory McIlroy and the players’ committee led by Tiger Woods, Koepka might see leniency regarding the suspension.
Update: Koepka has been reinstated immediately by the PGA Tour and is set to play at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This is thanks to the new ‘Returning Member Program’ established to allow select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, including his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered in this decision. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time opportunity for this group of players and not a precedent for the future. This move may concern top LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka must donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour’s charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and the Tour’s capital participation program for five years.
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