First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager to compete again; 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. The DP World Tour could grant immediate eligibility, possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance—though previous lifetime bans were reduced. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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