First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a return, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reported as a mutual agreement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, which LIV did not fully provide. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or paybacks. At 35, he is still the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will compete next. DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly after a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following downgraded lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partially answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
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