First start at Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull launches a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially stated they amicably agreed on this. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury worries about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about buyout or repayment. He still owns the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds where Koepka will next compete. DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a fine. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, although former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly. Why be vindictive if returning LIV players, especially stars, strengthen the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
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