First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has formally withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf Season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner stays connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, which he found limited in LIV. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about contractual details. Does he have to repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. On the DP World Tour, where he would immediately be eligible—perhaps with a penalty—or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after previously lifelong bans were significantly reduced. Why be vengeful when every LIV returnee strengthens the longer-established PGA Tour? This essential question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour and rejoin the player pool.