First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, was only partially motivated at LIV. He had joined LIV primarily in 2022 because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out or return part of his guaranteed paycheck? Is he still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculations are rife on where Koepka will compete next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after the previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly relaxed? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This core question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, and to be readmitted to the player ranks.