First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull heading to YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner intends to remain connected to the competitor circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to official LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka thrives on high-level competition, something LIV offered only partially. He initially joined LIV in 2022 anticipating his career ending due to injuries and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Thus, opting out of the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain—did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed salary? Does he remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete—on the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately, albeit possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, following a significant rollback of lifetime bans previously imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the more powerful established tour? This question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership unrenewed since 2022, seeking reinstatement.