First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this decision was amicably agreed upon. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, something he found limited with LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund, his skipping the final contracted season raises questions. Did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations abound on where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour where he would be eligible likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from a lifetime ban previously imposed. Not seeking revenge makes sense, particularly since every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle after not renewing post-2022.
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A possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 after the PGA Tour’s redesigned schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields. This aligns perfectly with Koepka’s preferences, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe the big events he likes. If he qualifies for more elite tournaments, he would play those too.\” The PGA Tour’s board, players’ directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, who supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately, might be lenient with the suspension.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local