First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition and motivation, something he lacked to an extent at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about financial arrangements and ownership of his LIV team, Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He could immediately play on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or seek reinstatement on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event. The previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee plays into the hands of the stronger established tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022 and rejoin its player ranks.