First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also making a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about his career end and to secure a solid retirement fund. His waiver of the final contracted season is thus not surprising, although questions remain about financial arrangements and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations arise about which tours Koepka will join next: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after lifetime bans were softened. Why retaliate when every returning LIV player benefits the stronger tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.