First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season set to start February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more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. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, was not fully motivated at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injury made him consider ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractually required season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. At 35, he remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound regarding where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, after previously life bans were softened. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, benefit the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated among its players after not extending beyond 2022.
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