First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion plans to stay connected to the competitive circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. His 2022 move mainly aimed at securing a good retirement fund due to injury concerns. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or returning part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tour Koepka will join next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, perhaps with a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension dating back to his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why be vindictive when reinstating prominent LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour, already holding the upper hand? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
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Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season conclusion at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s newly compressed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, elite fields—the