First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 season of the LIV Golf League, set to begin on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition, which he only somewhat found in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid pension fund before retiring, so his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will likely appear on next. The DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—possibly facing a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after life bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why be spiteful when reinstating LIV returnees, especially prominent ones like Koepka, benefits the already dominant tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks after his membership lapsed post-2022.