First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, was only moderately motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund, so his skipping the final contracted season is unsurprising. Questions remain whether he had to pay a buyout or return part of his guaranteed salary. It is also unclear if he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, which was reduced from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning LIV players, especially a high-profile one like Koepka, ultimately benefit the stronger PGA Tour. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that ended in 2022 and to be reinstated as a player.