First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, and Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed on amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He historically switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could clear him immediately to compete, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event after lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why hold grudges when each prominent LIV returnee benefits the PGA Tour’s leverage? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership which was not extended post-2022, seeking to regain player membership.
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