First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is ready to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, something he found limited opportunities for at LIV. He initially switched to LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns affecting his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His choice to forgo the final contract year is therefore understandable, although questions remain about possible buyout payments or partial return of guaranteed fees. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Most speculation focuses on which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, possibly subject to penalties, while the PGA Tour has a one-year suspension for him since his last LIV event, though the former lifetime bans ordered by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. A return to the PGA Tour is now partly clearer: ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.