First start at the Farmers already, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but will take more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a fierce competitor motivated by top-level contests, has had a limited spark in LIV. He joined in 2022 anticipating the end of his career due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund, making the decision to skip his last contracted season less surprising, though questions about contract buyouts remain. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, appointing Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a fine, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a current one-year suspension following his last LIV events despite reduced penalties from former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Notably, the PGA Tour’s softened stance favors LIV returnees, especially notable ones. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally requested to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
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His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring numerous $20 million events with limited elite fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take time but will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least the minimum and participating in his favorite major tournaments. The player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over Koepka’s suspension, reflecting Rory McIlroy’s support for his immediate return. A fan poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine also showed majority backing.
Update: The anticipation is confirmed: Koepka’s suspension was lifted immediately. He will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines late January and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty.
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