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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, this was amicably agreed upon. Koepka is a competitive type who gets motivated and fired up in top-level competitions, something he only partially experienced at LIV. He originally moved to LIV in 2022 fearing the end of his career due to injuries and to secure a decent retirement fund. So skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed money. The 35-year-old remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has already appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with some penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following a significant reduction of the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vengeful if every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.