First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull to launch YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
It was expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who gets motivated and fired up during top-level contests, which he found limited on LIV. Having turned to LIV in 2022 after injury concerns threatened his career, securing a substantial retirement fund, his skipping the last contractual season is understandable though questions remain about possible buyout or repaying part of guaranteed fees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension since his last LIV start remains, although former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly eased. Why hold grudges when returning LIV stars, especially prominent ones, benefit the longer-established PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, and rejoin the players’ circle.