First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for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 mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level sports confrontations, something he lacked in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injuries made him contemplate ending his career, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, his opting out of the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed earnings. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a fine, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, after life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were substantially reduced. But why be vindictive when any returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the long-dominant PGA Tour? This crucial question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement into the player ranks.
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