Brooks Koepka’s season struggles and LIV Golf ranking changes

Brooks Koepka finished his season at the Wyndham Championship with a T67, which left him at No. 94 in the FedExCup standings. He needs a solo 4th or better to reach the top 70 and qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship. This failure to reach the playoffs costs him the $100 million FedExCup bonus program. He also paid a $5 million charity contribution to join the PGA Tour through the Returning Member Program. You probably expected more from a five-time major winner, as I think his lack of top-10 finishes since 2023 makes his season a failure. He made the cut in 11 of his 16 starts but struggled with his putting, finishing T67 at Sedgefield Country Club nearly 20 shots back from winner Michael Brennan. He is 35 years old and essentially started from scratch after leaving LIV Golf earlier this year. The Tour estimated he could miss up to $85 million in potential earnings. He also finished T12 at the Masters and T9 at the Cognizant Classic, which were his only flashes of brilliance this year.

LIV’s ranking restriction

LIV Golf changed to 72-hole events in 2026 to align with other professional tours and pursue Official World Golf Ranking points. The OWGR decided to award points only to the top 10 finishers and ties because LIV field sizes average 57 players, which remains below the 75 minimum. The decision by the OWGR to award ranking points only to the top 10 finishers because LIV field sizes average 57 players creates a significant disadvantage for those who consistently perform well but finish just outside that threshold. I find the OWGR restriction on LIV players to be a pathetic way to recognize performance. LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 8, 2026, after the Saudi Public Investment Fund ended its planned equity funding. CEO Scott O’Neil leads this transition into a new era, and LIV’s 72-hole move aims to help players obtain pathways to major championships. Trevor Immelman noted the process of finding an equitable solution was complex and challenging. Will the bankruptcy restructuring allow LIV to return in 2027?

The Fall swing stakes

The PGA Tour Fall provides winners with 500 FedExCup points and a two-year exemption. Players who finish 101-125 on the final fall list receive conditional status for the 2026 season. The Aon Next 10, comprising the top 10 players on the FedExCup Points List not already eligible for Signature Events, earn spots in the two events following The Sentry. These players test their skills against the game’s best. If players 51-70 choose not to play, their position on the list drops. Players 71 and beyond can earn one of the 10 spots in those Signature Events. Winners also earn spots in THE PLAYERS and major championships that invite winners. Top 50 players after the Tour Championship are guaranteed top 100 and their spots in all Signature Events for the following season. They can continue to play FedExCup Fall events to pursue trophies and earn ranking points.