First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to prove himself again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition and intensity, which he had limited motivation for in LIV. In 2022, he primarily joined LIV due to injury concerns about ending his career and to secure a substantial retirement fund. His waiving of the last contracted playing season is not surprising, although questions remain whether he was bought out or had to return part of his guaranteed salary. It is also uncertain if the 35-year-old remains an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly involving a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after previous lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. There is no need for vindictiveness when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the more established Tour. This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be readmitted into the player circle.