First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive player who gets highly motivated and fired up by top-level competition, something he lacked somewhat on LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury fears ending his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he buy out his contract or refund part of the guaranteed fee? Will the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will compete on next: DP World Tour where he could play immediately – likely facing a penalty? Or PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans significantly? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a star, benefits the long-dominant PGA Tour? This key question now seems partly answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour and rejoin its players group.