First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive type who is highly motivated and fires up during top-level competition, which he felt only moderately on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury made him fear for his career’s end and he wanted a solid retirement fund. So, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, recently appointing Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will appear next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly facing a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after the life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly eased? Why be vengeful when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule with roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, highly competitive fields. The perfect timing for Koepka to return, aligning with his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a high-profile name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will come back to the PGA Tour,\” recently said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not play the events he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets to those high-profile tournaments, he would play them all.\” Possibly, the PGA Tour may show leniency to the five-time major winner. Alongside the board, player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods have input on suspensions, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, it spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for