First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests and was less motivated in LIV Golf. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because he feared his career was nearing an end due to injuries and wanted to secure a comfortable retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or guarantees returned. He is still owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now led by captain Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights—likely with a penalty—while the PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV start, though lifetime bans from former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It makes sense not to be vindictive since any returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. This major question now has some answers. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, seeking reinstatement to the player ranks.