First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level competition, which he lacked at LIV. He had switched to LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, giving up the last contractually required season is not surprising, although questions linger. Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of the guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation revolves around where Koepka will next appear: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—likely after a penalty fee? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? Why be vindictive when any LIV returnee benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This question partly resolves as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and be readmitted to the player ranks.