First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, stating he will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil said this was a friendly agreement. Koepka, a five-time major winner known for his competitive spirit, was less motivated during LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and the chance to secure his retirement funds, so skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial repayments. Despite this, Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch its new captain.
Speculation is high about where Koepka will play next—possibly the DP World Tour, where he could be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following reductions of previous lifetime bans instituted by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Yet, since every LIV returnee benefits the established Tour, there’s reason to believe Koepka’s case is progressing. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership for the first time since 2022.
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