First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was officially announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has been less motivated in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injuries that threatened his career’s end, seeking a solid retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of LIV team Smash GC, already captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will soon grace. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play – possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a significant easing of the lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when high-profile LIV returnees benefit the dominant Tour? This major question seems partially answered. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, not extended after 2022.