First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level sports contests, was less motivated at LIV. He joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure retirement earnings. So skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions linger about whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch captain.
Much speculation surrounds Koepka’s next playing opportunities—will he return immediately to the DP World Tour, potentially paying penalties, or to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies after his last LIV appearance? Former lifetime bans by then-Commissioner Jay Monahan have been eased. Allowing prominent LIV returnees benefits the established tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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