First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This is the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Yet, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition and motivation, something he somewhat lacked at LIV. He switched to Saudi Golf in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career ending and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial terms and his ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds on which fairways Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would immediately grant him playing rights—likely with a penalty fee? Or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance due to revised sanctions from former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a high-profile one, benefits the already powerful Tour? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his previously non-renewed PGA Tour membership and to be reinstated as a player.