First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive spirit who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury threatened to end his career and he sought a solid retirement fund. Hence, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain: Did he buy out or repay part of his guarantee? Does he remain an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, following the significant easing of the lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. There’s no point in being vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the already dominant Tour. This key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks after not renewing since 2022.
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A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour implements a new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited fields. The perfect moment for a comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely sponsors of the new top league, would certainly welcome another major name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not his favorite events, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to the top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” And maybe the PGA Tour will cut some slack for the five-time major winner – decisions about suspensions involve the Board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, honoring Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka regained PGA Tour eligibility immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
A new rule called the \”Returning Member