First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh.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 champion intends to remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level contests, showed limited motivation during his LIV tenure. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Skipping his final contract year raises questions: Did he pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain an owner of his LIV team, Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculations about Koepka’s next playing venues abound. Will he appear on the DP World Tour, likely eligible immediately but possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event given that previously lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were greatly softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially prominent ones, strengthens the already dominant Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour, which was not renewed after 2022, aiming to rejoin the players’ circle.
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