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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives when competing at the highest level, something he found limited with LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision not to play the final contracted season comes as no surprise, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations about which fairways Koepka will appear on next are rife: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately—possibly facing a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following the significant softening of the lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the rival Tour that clearly holds more leverage? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.