First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also making a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
It was to be expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable decision was announced by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV offered to a limited extent. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily because he feared his career was ending due to injury and wanted a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is no surprise, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out of the contract or return part of the guaranteed money? Does he remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he would be instantly eligible—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after the previously lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the advantage? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement as a player.