First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is returning, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season, which starts on February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor motivated by top-level sports contests, was less engaged at LIV. He had joined in 2022 mainly due to injuries jeopardizing his career, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or returning part of his guaranteed fee. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (possibly with a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans. Why hold grudges if every returning LIV player ultimately benefits the more powerful PGA Tour? This key question has partially been answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking readmittance into the player pool.