First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitive player who thrives in high-level competitions, which he only partially found at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, his waiver of the last contracted season is not surprising though questions remain about the financial details and his ongoing ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on. The DP World Tour would allow immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty fee. The PGA Tour, however, imposed a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee strengthens the better-positioned PGA Tour? This question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.