First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back too, Charley Hull to launch YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka, a competitor motivated by high-level contests, was only moderately engaged with LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, led by new captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tours Koepka will soon compete. While eligible immediately for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a fine, a PGA Tour comeback involves serving a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans by the former commissioner. Why be vindictive, when every LIV returnee benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-expired PGA Tour membership and re-join the player pool.