First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. That was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who gets highly motivated and fired up in top-level competition, something he experienced only partially on LIV. He initially switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his skipping the last contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about contract buyouts or refunding guarantees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation rises about where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, with previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan significantly reduced. Why be vindictive when prominent LIV returnees benefit the PGA Tour whose leverage is stronger? This question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ ranks.