First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level sports challenges, something he found limited at LIV. He switched to the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, opting out of his final contractual year is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. It also remains to be seen if the 35-year-old retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will tee off next. On the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly involving penalties? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension for his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player, especially a star, ultimately benefits the dominant Tour? This key question appears partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming for reinstatement.
A potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the new PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. The timing fits perfectly for a comeback, matching Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top-tier league would welcome another big 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, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or can enter premier events, he’ll play those as well.\” And perhaps the PGA Tour will overlook the suspension for the five-time major winner – with the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee holding sway – following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
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