First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was only moderately motivated at LIV. He joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a significant retirement fund. Given this, his forgoing the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed fee. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly subject to a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV participation, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player helps the PGA Tour, which holds the stronger leverage? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to have his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, reinstated.
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