First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, says LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest level, found limited motivation in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, it’s no surprise he waived his last contract year, though questions remain: Did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Is he still an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation grows on where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty? The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from former lifetime bans. The question is why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its revamped schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields. A perfect moment for his comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely the new top league’s operators, would welcome such a strong name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or can join top events, he’d play those too.\” The player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who have say over suspensions, may also give him some leeway, following Rory McIlroy’s advice to allow Koepka to play immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: \”And perhaps they’ll turn a blind eye for a five-time major winner\” – exactly that has happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale already confirmed. This became possible through a new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
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