First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull going 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level competitive battles, something he lacked at LIV. Koepka primarily joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career was ending due to injury and seeking a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculations arise about Koepka’s future golfing venues. Will he play on the DP World Tour immediately eligible albeit possibly with a penalty? Or will he return to the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension applies from his last LIV appearance, after Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? This key question seems partly answered; ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players.
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